Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people currently recorded as missing persons; the degree to which resources are available within his Department to monitor the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22237/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of untraced persons recorded at the end of 2005 was 395. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the Missing Persons Bureau of the Garda Síochána is responsible for maintaining data relating to missing persons. All cases of a person reported missing in suspicious circumstances remain open and under ongoing review and investigation until the person is located, or, in the case of a missing person who is presumed drowned, a verdict to that effect by the coroner.

District Officers in the area where persons have gone missing take direct responsibility for all investigations/searches carried out. Local investigations teams are appointed by the District Officer and all means necessary, including the services of specialist units, are deployed to assist in these investigations. The services of Europol and Interpol are also availed of during such investigations. The systems put in place by An Garda Síochána to manage and deal with reports of missing persons are in line with best international practice, and Garda management is satisfied that the systems and resources in place are adequate to deal with any reported case of a missing person.