Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 190: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action taken by way of ongoing follow up in respect of unsolved murder cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22233/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the House will appreciate, the deployment of Garda resources and the investigative methods used in murder cases are operational matters for the Garda Commissioner. In this regard, I am informed by the Commissioner that a number of National Support Units have been established, working under an Assistant Commissioner. These Units include the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation which investigates all forms of serious crime including murder and organised crime.

While the responsibility for the investigation of all crime rests with the local Garda officers, the National Bureau provides assistance to serious investigations through a range of expertise and skills available within it. Bureau staff assist in all aspects of the investigation including preliminary enquiries, case management, incident room management, general investigation, file preparation and other ancillary aspects of a criminal investigation. Specialist investigation teams within the Bureau carry out these tasks when requested by local Garda officers or on the direction of senior Garda management.

The system of National Support Units is designed to meet modern policing requirements in an efficient and professional manner. All killings, regardless of the circumstances involved, are the subject of a rigorous Garda investigation. I am advised that when a case of unlawful killing remains unsolved, the investigation is not closed and periodical reviews of the case are carried out by the Garda authorities. When new information becomes available this is examined and fully investigated by the Garda authorities.