Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy. A family who has a missing person that they cannot find wonder every day whether the person will return, even though in their heart of hearts they know the person will not. It is a very difficult time for them.

The issue of unidentified remains has received coverage in recent months following the identification of the remains of Mr. Denis Walsh in February this year. While only identified this year, Mr. Walsh's body was recovered on Inis Mór in 1996. We can only imagine the heartache that his family has gone through. I know the family and it has been a terrible time for them, in particular his elderly parents.

A lot of work is going on at the moment. The missing persons unit is assisted in this vital work by local Garda stations, gardaí and the network of family liaison officers around the country who all perform crucial roles.

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