Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a further search has taken place for a missing person (details supplied) in Bosnia in the past two weeks; if so, the area covered by the search; the number of personnel involved; if Irish military or Garda personnel took part; the duration and outcome of the search; if new information has come to the attention of the local Bosnian authorities and the Irish authorities regarding the missing person; if consideration will be given to engaging the services of a local Bosnian private investigation agency on the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40950/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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A diplomatic officer from the Irish Embassy in Ljubljana was in Bosnia-Herzegovina recently to advance a further search for the Irish citizen missing in the Medjugorje area. This was the third such visit by Embassy staff, including the Ambassador, both in the context of providing consular assistance and support to the family of the missing person and to review the search operation. Following meetings with the local authorities in Medjugorje, Citluk and Mostar, together with representatives of EUPM (European Union Police Mission) and EUMM (European Union Monitoring Mission), it was agreed to carry out a further large scale and intensive search in Medjugorje and the surrounding areas. On the basis of local expert advice, this search was timed to coincide with the growing back of vegetation and the resultant greatly enhanced visibility for the searchers.

This large scale search was undertaken on 23 November. It covered Medjugorje and the surrounding areas, and involved some 80 police officers. The Krizevac Hill (a hill where pilgrims assemble for the Stations of the Cross) was thoroughly searched by teams from a Support Unit in Mostar, including a Dog Unit. A Garda stationed in Bosnia-Herzegovina with the EUPM was involved and has been exceptionally helpful throughout this difficult period. No Irish Defence Force personnel were involved. To our great regret, this extensive search produced no new developments. In addition, the local police in Medjugorje recently searched two further areas in the locality, and have assured the Embassy that their efforts will be maintained on an ongoing basis. Furthermore, the Hunting Clubs in the Region, who are active every weekend and have large memberships, have agreed to support the search effort in every way possible. In essence everything possible has been, and will continue to be done to find the missing person. Against the above background, there has to be a question mark about the value of a separate private investigation; I think it would be understood also that this would not be a matter for the Department. As I have already assured the Deputy and this House, the Consular Division of the Department and the Embassy in Ljubljana will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the family of the person in question. In this regard, the staff of Consular Division are in regular contact with the husband of the missing person, who is extremely appreciative of their support and solidarity.