Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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542. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the degree to which cold cases continue to be monitored, with particular reference to persons who have disappeared; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20842/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the deployment of Garda resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner in the light of identified operational demands. I am assured by the Garda authorities that all incidents where a person has been reported missing remain open and under investigation until such time as the person is located.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the function of the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) is to assist Senior Investigating Officers assigned to particular cases in bringing investigations to a successful conclusion by identifying further investigative opportunities and ensuring that investigations conform to approved best practice guidelines. At the conclusion of each review a substantive report is provided to the Senior Investigating Officer who considers the opportunities for further investigation for dissemination back into the investigative and operational units. Any recommendation of organisational effect is disseminated within the Garda organisation to improve the overall investigative capability of An Garda Síochána.

I am also advised that the SCRT continues to review serious cases that remain unsolved and continues to identify evidence and witnesses to assist in the development of these cases.