Written answers

Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Department of Justice and Equality

Missing Persons

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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125. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason all missing persons, as per her reply on 6 December 2016 on the issue, are not on the section of the Garda website for missing persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39948/16]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The website in question is operated by An Garda Síochána and I have no direct role in its administration. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the missing persons section on the Garda website is managed and maintained by the Missing Persons Bureau which is part of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.

As the Deputy will be aware, the District Officer of a District where a person is reported missing is responsible for the investigation of that incident. They also provide details on any missing persons to the Missing Persons Bureau, including any information to be displayed on the Garda website. The District Officer requires both the written consent of the family of the person reported missing and a recent photograph before an individual can be included in the missing persons section on the Garda website.

If the family of any person reported missing wishes to have their loved ones details included on the website, they should contact their local Garda station for further information.

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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126. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána is carrying out a full review of all missing persons cases since 1951; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39950/16]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that management of particular Garda investigations, including the allocation of resources, and the identification of lines of inquiry, are matters in the first instance for the Garda authorities and I have no direct role in this regard. All incidents where persons have been reported missing remain under investigation until such time as the person is located.

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.

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