Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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110. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps she will take in a missing person case (details supplied) in view of recent allegations; her plans to authorise a new investigation into the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35185/15]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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This question relates to Ireland's longest-running missing person case, the case of Mary Boyle, who disappeared in Donegal in March 1977, and the two very serious allegations that were recently made in relation to that disappearance.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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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.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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I thank the Minister. The case has been very harrowing and has destroyed the lives of the family involved over the years, particularly Mary Boyle's twin sister, Ann Doherty, who justifiably feels the person she believes is the prime suspect was never interviewed by the investigating gardaí. There have been allegations of political interference to ensure the person was not considered a suspect. This is the nature of the statements the family has made in recent weeks. It raises very serious questions about the conduct of the investigation. Given that a review has been ongoing since 2011, it is timely that the person who they believe to be prime suspect be questioned by the Garda and treated as a suspect in the case in order to try to achieve some closure for the family.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that I do not have a direct role in the investigation of the case. I encourage people to give any information that has been brought to their attention to the Garda. I have no doubt that what the Deputy has asked for will happen. While I will bring his comments to the attention of the Garda Commissioner, they should be brought directly to the attention of the Garda authorities. I hope everybody involved is kept informed on an ongoing basis of the developments I have mentioned.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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The Garda authorities are aware of the allegations and the substance of the investigations. Earlier this year, Ann Doherty wrote to the Minister requesting a meeting to outline her concerns about the handling of the case, but the Minister declined to meet her. In light of the fact that two weeks ago the Taoiseach said he would be happy to meet her, would the Minister reconsider her decision and consider meeting Ann Doherty?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that the Taoiseach has indicated that he would be available to meet with the person, and I will engage with him regarding those arrangements.