Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 17: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he has taken to assist with tracing the whereabouts of a person (details supplied) who went missing in the Netherlands in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17168/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The person referred to by the Deputy first came to the attention of my Department in November 2008. The family were concerned that there had been no contact from the individual and requested assistance in locating him. My Department has been providing consular assistance to the family since that time.

In the weeks after the initial disappearance, the Embassy arranged a meeting, which was also attended by an Embassy official, between the family and the Dutch Police. At that meeting the Dutch Police gave assurances to the family that everything possible was being done to locate their missing relative. The Police Officer also provided his direct contact details to the family so that they could get in touch with him if any new information was received by them. Representatives of the family have been in regular contact with my Department and the Embassy has sought an update on the case from the Dutch police. A response has been received today indicating that the Public Prosecutor has decided that the investigation into the disappearance will be re-examined.

In addition to liaising with the police, the Embassy facilitated a report on the case being broadcast by a Dutch missing persons television programme. The programme generated a number of leads around the world and my Department assisted the family in following up on those reports.

While my Department cannot interfere in the legal process of another State, we will continue to provide all possible consular assistance to the family. I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal sympathy to the family and to assure them of my full appreciation of the distress the disappearance of their loved one has caused.