Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 408 and 410 of 7 February 2012, if he will indicate, by age and gender, the number of persons reported missing in the period 2000 to 2011 and still listed as missing in 2012 to date with particular reference to the age groups of five years and under, five to ten years, ten to 15 years and 15 to 20 years; those listed between 20 and 30 years or more; the extent to which Irish or other nationalities have been identified; the degree to which ongoing investigations continue to ascertain the current or likely whereabouts of those still missing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12464/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table sets out the number of persons reported missing between 2000 and 2011 and up to and including 1 March 2012 by gender and nationality, according to the age categories specified in the Deputy's question, and who remain untraced.

All incidents where persons have been reported missing remain under investigation until such time as the person is located. An Garda Síochána reviews missing persons cases on a regular basis. The District Officer (Superintendent) in the area where a person has gone missing takes direct responsibility for all investigations and 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 investigations, as considered appropriate. The services of Interpol and Europol can also be availed of during such investigations, if necessary.

The Garda Missing Persons Bureau, which is responsible for all data relating to missing persons, provides expert assistance and advice to District Officers in all high risk missing person cases. The Garda authorities are satisfied that adequate resources, including staff and technology, are in place to deal with this issue and investigations are carried out in line with international best practice.