Vol. 488 No. 6
109 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to establish a missing persons unit in view of the continued high number of unsolved missing persons cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6761/98]
The detailed deployment of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner. Present arrangements are that the Garda divisional officer-district officer takes direct responsibility for searches and investigations of persons who are reported missing. Special investigation teams are appointed as necessary.
The question of the value of a centralised Garda national missing persons unit is being kept under review. In this regard, officials of my Department, together with members of the Garda Síochána, will be travelling to the UK later this month to assess the potential value of a new 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.
110 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 26 of 2 December 1997, members of the Garda Síochána have visited the United Kingdom to study methods of investigation of missing persons; the initiatives, if any, he intends to establish in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6678/98]
Officials of my Department recently met with police officers from the United Kingdom to discuss, in general terms, a new investigative initiative which has been introduced in the UK and which involves the analysis of data using sophisticated computer software. The meeting took place in Dublin prior to the UK officers taking part in a conference.
Following on from this meeting, officials of my Department and Garda Síochána representatives have been invited to travel to the United Kingdom later this month in order that they can fully assess and evaluate the initiative. As I have stated in the House before, I am concerned to ensure that effective arrangements are in place to trace missing persons. If the initiative shows sufficient promise, I will consider its adoption in this country.
