Jim Higgins
Question:26 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will set up a missing persons unit within the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21424/97]
Other Questions. - Missing Persons Unit.
The detailed deployment of Garda personnel resources is a matter for the commissioner. Present arrangements are that the Garda divisional officer-district officer takes direct responsibility for searches-investigations of persons who are reported missing. Special investigation teams are appointed as necessary. For the purpose of follow-up, missing persons are deemed to warrant attention by the Garda Síochána if they are under 18 years of age or elderly, or physically or mentally handicapped, or are missing in circumstances which give rise to fears for their safety.
The question of the value of a centralised Garda national missing persons unit is kept under continuous review. There are arguments for and against such a proposal. I understand that the Garda Commissioner considers that investigations of missing persons are more effective when they have the kind of local focus which is achieved under present arrangements. Local officers have available to them, as required, the services of all the specialist units and manpower which are part of the overall Garda organisation structure.
The matter is one which merits being kept under review. In this regard, officials of my Department, together with members of the Garda Síochána, will be travelling to the UK in the new year to assess the potential value of a new investigation initiative there, involving analysis of data using sophisticated computer software as an aid to investigations. If the initiative shows sufficient promise I will consider its adoption in this country.
(Mayo): Does the Minister not recall that when he was in Opposition he gave a clear and categorical assurance that, in Government, he would establish a specialist missing persons unit within the Garda Síochána? Does he not recall that that statement was made in the wake of the tragic and heartbreaking disappearance of Ms Jo Jo Dollard? Does he not recall that he spelt out the merits of a highly specialist unit dedicated specifically to deal with this issue? Does he not recall that he said it was a matter which had to be taken very seriously in the light of the number of people, particularly women, who disappear or go missing from time to time?
And Deputy Albert Reynolds.
I am glad Deputy Higgins's powers of retention have not diminished with the passing months. Of course I recall it. That is why I made clear in my reply that officials of the Department, together with members of the Garda Síochána, will be travelling to the UK in the new year to assess the potential value of a new investigative initiative there which will involve the kind of analysis which I outlined to the House.
It is something which I favoured in Opposition, as Deputy Higgins stated, and which I am reviewing in Government. As the Deputy will be aware, the decision on establishment is one which would have to be taken by the Garda Commissioner because it is an operational matter. My predecessor, Deputy Owen, indicated to me on a number of occasions in this House that she agreed it was a matter which should be taken seriously and considered, and it is being taken seriously and considered.
I have spoken to the families of the missing women and I know the Minister appreciates the terrible trauma involved. It is important that we learn the lessons of countries such as Belgium, where missing persons cases were not tackled quickly and carefully enough, and systems were not put in place to ensure that every necessary action was taken. The Minister should treat this as an urgent matter and should ensure we have in place the systems to provide the necessary co-ordination of information. He mentioned new computer software; what is the timescale for introducing the new systems?
What determines whether a person is missing? Is the Minister aware that in my constituency a man was dead in his bed for a number of years, was neither collecting his social welfare pension nor paying local authority rent but the fact that he was missing or out of circulation was never reported to the authorities? Will the Minister inform the House whether there is co-ordination between local authorities, health boards, the Department of Social, Family and Community Affairs and the Garda to report the fact that persons have suddenly ceased either to pay their rent or collect their pensions? Does that trigger a missing persons investigation?
As far as the Garda Síochána is concerned, missing persons are deemed to warrant its attention if they are under the age of 18, elderly, physically or mentally handicapped or have gone missing in suspicious circumstances, that is, circumstances which would give rise to fears for their safety. I trust that answer's Deputy Mitchell's question.
In response to Deputy Fitzgerald, that is a matter of grave concern. I have been assured by the Garda Commissioner, with whom I have had a number of discussions on this matter, that he has had, and would have, no hesitation deploying whatever resources are necessary to trace missing persons.
There is certainly a missing persons problem. Men account for approximately 70 per cent of all persons missing since 1990 and there does not appear to be an undue representation of young women in the figures. At least 22 persons went missing near the coast, at dangerous locations such as cliffs, etc., or were last seen on boats and trawlers. Some were also last seen at ferry ports, which might be taken to suggest they went missing of their own volition. We must face the tragic reality that foul play may have been a factor in some cases.
The figures conform to some extent to the broad picture emerging from research into suicide. For example, instances of males going missing and male suicide cluster in the early twenties and early forties age groups. For the period 1990 to 1996, inclusive, 10,614 persons were reported missing to the Garda Síochána and of this figure, 75 people are still missing. That is a cause of considerable concern and approaching Christmas one must be conscious that this is a difficult time for the relatives of those who are missing.
I can only reiterate that the authorities will be assessing the position in the UK to see whether that initiative should be adopted here. In the meantime, the commissioner will deploy whatever manpower and resources are necessary to find missing persons. I hope this indicates to the House the degree of concern with which this is being treated and that it will be of some comfort to those who must go through the distress and trauma of not knowing where there loved ones are.