Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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120. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which resources continue to be made available for the pursuit of cold cases, including those of missing persons whose whereabouts have never been confirmed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22833/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána have the necessary resources to tackle all forms of criminality in the State, including those cases currently under review by the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT).

I am informed by the Garda authorities 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. The Deputy will appreciate that these matters fall within the remit of the Garda Commissioner and his management team and I have no role in this regard.

I am further advised that at the conclusion of each review by the SCRT, a substantive report is provided to the Senior Investigating Officer who considers the opportunities for further investigation. Any recommendation of organisational effect is disseminated within the Garda organisation to improve the overall investigative capability of An Garda Síochána.

The Deputy will appreciate that all Garda activities, including the investigation of unsolved cases, will benefit from the very significant investments which have been made in policing resources - all of which will support enhanced investigation and detection of crime, and benefit ongoing investigations. Budget 2018 will support the continuation of this high level of investment in the Garda workforce and ensure that the vision of an overall workforce of 21,000 by 2021 remains on track.