John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if establishing a missing persons unit is part of the Programme for Government; if so, the progress made to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40074/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government 2007 contained a commitment to task the Garda Inspectorate with assessing the need to establish a dedicated Missing Persons Unit, including a response network similar to Amber Alert in the USA.

I consequently asked the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to assess the need to establish a dedicated Missing Persons Unit within An Garda Síochána including a response network similar to Amber Alert and to report their findings to me. The Inspectorate published their report earlier this year, and I welcomed their recommendations on the handling of missing persons cases.

The Inspectorate report found overall that Garda systems for handling missing persons cases are in line with international best practice and has made recommendations on how those systems can be further enhanced. One of its recommendations was that the Garda Missing Persons Bureau continue to advise and assist in high risk missing person cases leaving direct, day to day responsibility to District Superintendents and their personnel.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local investigation teams are appointed by the District Officer and all means necessary, including the services of specialist units, are deployed to assist in these investigations. The Missing Persons Bureau provides expert assistance and advice to District officers in all high risk missing person cases. I am further informed that the Garda authorities are satisfied that adequate resources, including staff and technological resources, are in place to deal with missing persons cases.