Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 564: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of full-time staff, if any, that will be employed by the missing persons bureau in the near future; if he has considered allocating additional funding to the missing persons bureau; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11412/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team, is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no function in that process.

All incidents where persons have been reported missing remain under investigation until such times as the person is located. District Officers in the area where persons have gone missing take direct responsibility for all investigations / searches carried out. 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 investigation, when considered appropriate.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the Missing Persons Bureau is responsible for all data relating to missing persons and provides expert assistance and advice to District Officers in all high risk missing person cases. Incidents relating to persons reported missing are subject of review, on a regular basis, by the Missing Persons Bureau. Two Garda Sergeants and two civilian support staff are currently assigned to the Missing Persons Bureau.