IPPN

Published: 18 May 2012

The National Bureau of Criminal Investigation has asked IPPN to help with a child protection matter.  The Bureau is trying to locate a child whose photograph has been found on the internet.  The Bureau is trying to locate the child by identifying the school where the child last attended.

You will appreciate both the gravity and sensitivity of this investigation and we have been asked to treat it with the utmost of professional confidentiality.  If your school, or a school known to you has a uniform that matches the following description, please contact Seán Cottrell in the IPPN Support Office (1890 21 22 23) or email sean.cottrell@ippn.ie outside office hours.

Please note that this is a criminal investigation being carried out by the Gárda Siochána and is a separate process to your Child Protection Policy and your role as DLP.

Description of Uniform:
• pink blouse/shirt    • red plain tie
• grey pinafore        • white socks
• black shoes

Le meas

Seán Cottrell

Other points

• Any information provided will be received in confidence
• There is no suggestion that the child is at risk of abuse while at school
• This investigation is currently focused on a number of countries – it is not certain if the child in question is attending a school in Ireland.
• Even if the description matches your school uniform, this does not necessarily mean that the child is in your school.  There may be several schools with a similar uniform in Ireland and outside of Ireland
• Please be mindful that the case is being investigated by National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.   The Bureau detectives do not wish to be contacted directly by Principals on this matter wishing instead that you make contact through IPPN  
• If you are distressed or concerned by this communication please contact the IPPN support office (1890 21 22 23) where appropriate support has been put in place through the Principal Advice service
• The positive identification of a school with this uniform should in no way be a cause of concern.  However the moral obligation to assist a child at risk supercedes any concerns