Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 156: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the establishment of a special unit within An Garda Síochána dedicated to the investigation of missing persons reports in view of the additional resources that will be available to the Garda with the introduction of the new Garda Reserve Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43658/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Under section 15 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which provides for the establishment of a Garda Reserve, the powers and duties of reserve members may be determined by the Garda Commissioner. It is the responsibility of Garda management to allocate personnel to and within Divisions. These personnel allocations are determined by a number of factors including demographics, crime trends, administrative functions and other operational policing needs. Such allocations are continually monitored and reviewed along with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy. This ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and that the best possible service is provided to the public.

The Garda Missing Person Bureau is attached to Garda Headquarters and is responsible for maintaining data relating to missing persons. The District Officer in the area where the person has been reported missing takes direct responsibility for all issues relating to the investigation of the circumstances of the missing person. 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 services of Interpol and Europol are also available to assist in these investigations. 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 and have assured me that they are satisfied that adequate resources are available for the investigation and monitoring of incidents where persons are reported missing.