Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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548. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which cold cases continue to be under observation and investigation; the extent to which modern forensics are likely to be of help to such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36246/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Serious Crime Review Team was established in 2007 under the direction of Detective Chief Superintendent, Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and its primary purpose is to assist Senior Investigating Officers in the investigation of serious crime by identifying new and investigative opportunities which require consideration of progression. 

The process of serious crime review is also intended to shape future investigative and operational practices based upon the lessons learned and the identification of good practice for dissemination back in the investigative and operational units. Reviews are not regarded as re-investigation, but an integral element of the overall investigation, designed to assist and support the Senior Investigating Officer.

The commissioning of a review of an investigation is undertaken by Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime, who is referred to as the Commissioning Officer. Upon completion of a review, the Reviewing Officer will submit a Review Report to the Commissioning Officer.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Serious Crime Review Team is currently undertaking reviews in respect of 18 investigations.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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549. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of persons currently listed missing or otherwise unaccounted for; the extent to which ongoing investigation continues in such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36247/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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At the outset, I would like to acknowledge the pain and trauma experienced by all families of missing persons. I am deeply conscious of how difficult life is for loved ones who simply don't know what has happened to their relative. My Department is committed to working with all relevant state bodies to help more families find their missing relatives.

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that as of 1 July 2022, there are currently 824 persons reported as missing and recorded as such on PULSE, which is a ‘live’ database and therefore is operational and subject to change.

A missing person investigation commences when the incident is reported to An Garda Síochána and is constantly reviewed at Superintendent level in the relevant Garda district at specific junctures within the investigation to ensure that all actions appropriate to the investigation are being pursued and that the appropriate resources have been assigned to the investigation. 

It should be noted that all missing person investigations remain open until the missing person is located.