Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

158. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if adequate resources are available to a dedicated section within An Garda Síochána in respect of missing persons; the number of persons reported missing in the past five years; the number outstanding; the number deemed to have been found; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10631/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of personnel and resources within An Garda Síochána. All incidents where persons have been reported missing remain under investigation until such time as the person is located and I am informed that the Garda authorities are satisfied that adequate resources are in place in relation to the management of missing persons cases. District Officers in the area where person has 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 investigations, 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.

The following table details the number of missing person reports made to An Garda Síochána in the years 2011 to 12 May 2016. This table also shows the number of those persons who are currently still missing for each of these years. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the information supplied is operational and subject to change.