Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 246: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a missing persons helpline in view of the fact that for the most part information was not readily available for a considerable duration of the missing persons helpline pilot programme that lasted from October 2002 until 2003; and if he will address the needs of families of missing persons or of improving the communication methods used to improve awareness of missing persons such as posters at ports and train stations, or even examples, such as using milk cartons to communicate the identities and appearances of missing persons into the homes of people throughout the country. [4952/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management take 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. I have passed your suggestions to An Garda Síochána for consideration.

I am advised that the Missing in Ireland Support Service (MISS) has recently submitted a revised funding grant application to the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime to establish a Missing Persons Helpline. As the closing date for receipt of grant applications has now passed the Commission will shortly be considering all grant applications received for 2007, including this application.