Written answers
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Missing Persons
8:00 pm
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 492: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí dedicated to a particular unit with responsibility for tracing missing persons; the number of such persons on file and untraced at present; if the facilities available are adequate to meet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22866/07]
Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Commissioner 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 and when a person is reported missing, the local Garda Superintendent will appoint an investigation team to include any specialised unit deemed necessary. 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. 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.
The following persons remain untraced for the period 2000 to 2007:
| Year | Number |
| 2006 | 87* |
| 2005 | 45 |
| 2004 | 58 |
| 2003 | 54 |
| 2002 | 53 |
| 2001 | 45 |
| 2000 | 21 |
| The figure for 2007 is 68 (up to 31st July). | |
| *This figure is operational and subject to change resulting from on-going monitoring and validation of persons reported missing. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day the strength of the organisation, or units within it, may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc. It is the responsibility of the Garda Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his or her Division taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of these Divisions will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country. |
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