Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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274. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which adequate resources remain available to a dedicated section within An Garda Síochána in respect of missing persons; the total number of persons reported missing in the past four years to date; the numbers still outstanding; the numbers deemed to have been found; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27625/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of personnel and resources within An Garda Síochána. Garda management keep this deployment under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that all incidents where persons have been reported missing remain under investigation until such times as the person is located. District Officers in the area where persons have gone missing take direct responsibility for all investigations/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 investigation, when considered appropriate.

The Missing Persons Bureau is responsible for all data relating to missing persons and provides expert assistance and advice to District Officers in all high risk missing person cases. Incidents relating to persons reported missing are subject of review, on a regular basis, by the Missing Persons Bureau.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below provides the total number of persons reported missing and the total number of persons who remain missing in each year from 2011 to 2015 to date. As is evident from the figures, most persons are located in a relatively short period of time. It should be noted that the statistics provided are operational, provisional and subject to change.