Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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442. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has discussed the missing persons cases (details supplied) with the Garda Commissioner and if he is satisfied with the progress of these cases. [30093/13]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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447. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the disappearances of persons (details supplied); and the efforts being made to find them. [30130/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 442 and 447 together.

I am, of course, conscious of the distress and continuing impact on family and friends where a person goes missing. I have received a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the two missing person cases referred to by the Deputies and am assured that the cases remain under active investigation. The cases are the subject of regular review and have featured on "CrimeCall" on a number of occasions with all identified avenues of inquiry being followed up. I would like to reiterate the appeals of the families in question and of the Gardaí to anyone with any information which might be of assistance to come forward.

I am further assured that all incidents where persons have been reported missing remain under investigation until such times as the person is located. The Garda Síochána reviews missing persons cases on a regular basis. The District Officer (Superintendent) in the area where persons have 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 that investigations are carried out in line with best international practice.