Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a comprehensive review of this case has, in fact, been ongoing since 2011 under the direction of the assistant commissioner for the northern region.

All aspects of the original investigation and subsequent reviews have been examined by the Garda review team. As part of the Garda inquiry, a file is currently with the Director of Public Prosecutions following the arrest of a person in October 2014 in connection with the disappearance. The case has also been the subject of an investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission on foot of complaints to that office. Within the past two weeks further statements have been made to the Garda regarding the case, and these will now be examined by the review team.

I am very conscious of the ongoing distress for the families and friends of persons who go missing, and I met with the mother of the missing child in this case at last year's annual national missing persons' day. I was grateful to have been able to speak with her on that occasion and to hear her moving address to those present as to the lasting impact these events have had on her and her family. All in this House would wish to ensure that nothing we say adds to the distress the family has experienced. We recognise that the examination of allegations concerning the disappearance are matters for the relevant investigatory agencies. I recognise how long the case has gone on and the serious upset caused to all members of the family over the period. The investigation is very much ongoing and further statements were taken two weeks ago.

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