Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

699. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department maintains a database of unsolved homicide and manslaughter cases here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36640/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can confirm that my Department does not maintain a database of unsolved homicide cases.

The Deputy will appreciate that the conduct of Garda investigations, including cold cases, is a matter solely for the Garda Commissioner and his management team and I have no role in that regard.

However, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) continues to review serious cases that remain unsolved including the identification of evidence and witnesses to assist in the development of these cases. 

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.