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

Question 203: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people currently recorded as missing persons; the extent to which adequate resources are available to the gardaí to fully monitor and investigate such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36578/06]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of persons reported missing and remaining untraced at the end of 2005 was 395. The figure for 2006 will not be available until after year end.

The Missing Persons Bureau in Garda Headquarters is responsible for maintaining data relating to missing persons. The District Officer in the area where a person has been reported missing takes direct responsibility for all issues relating to the investigation of the circumstances of the missing person. 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.

At present, local Garda management takes direct responsibility for missing person cases, and special investigation teams are appointed as necessary. All missing persons are recorded on the PULSE system. When a person is reported missing, the local Garda Superintendent will appoint an investigation team to include any specialised unit deemed necessary, for example, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation or the Technical Bureau. The systems put in place by An Garda Síochána to manage and deal with reports of missing persons are in line with best international police practice, and Garda management have assured me that they are satisfied that the systems in place are adequate to deal with any reported case of a missing person.

An Garda Síochána interacts fully and as appropriate with all of the media outlets — print, radio and TV — in highlighting cases involving missing persons. The services of other external agencies such as Interpol and Europol are also available to assist in the investigation. In addition, every Garda District has a specially trained search team that is familiar with the locality. The investigation of missing persons is a dedicated subject on the curriculum at the Garda College, Templemore, and is also a subject covered in in-service training.

The Garda authorities are continuously monitoring international developments in relation to investigations of missing persons in order to ensure that best practice is followed. If their professional judgement is that some change in the existing legislation, protocols or structures would be of assistance in improving investigations, this would be considered by me.