Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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156. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which resources continue to be made available for the pursuit of evidence in the various cold cases which have been noted over the past 30 years; if evidence continues to be assembled in respect of such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40073/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda District Officers take direct responsibility for the investigation of all crime within their respective Districts. 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 services of Europol and Interpol are also availed of, as required. The Garda authorities are satisfied that adequate resources are in place to deal with these investigations.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Serious Crime Review Team was established in 2007, under the direction of the Detective Chief Superintendent, National Bureau of Criminal Investigations. The purpose of the Unit is primarily to assist Senior Investigating Officers throughout the country in the investigation of serious crime and to review serious cases that remain unsolved by continuing to pursue evidence and identify witnesses to assist in the development of these cases.

While the deployment of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, I am advised that the level of Garda personnel assigned to the Serious Crime Review Team, together with overall policing arrangements, is continually monitored and reviewed, to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible service is provided to the public.