Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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392. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which conclusions continue to be reached in respect of the various cold cases which have been identified over several years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53082/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that local 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 investigation.

The Garda Serious Crime Review Team was established in 2007 to assist Senior Investigating Officers in the investigation of serious crime by identifying new and potential investigative opportunities and operational practices based on lessons learned and identification of good practice for dissemination back into the investigative and operational units. I am informed that reviews carried out by the Unit should not be regarded as a re-investigation of any incident, but as an integral element of the investigation, designed to assist and support the Senior Investigating Officer.

The Serious Crime Review Team continues to review serious cases that remain unsolved and continues to unearth evidence and witnesses to assist in the development of these cases.