Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 1

Written Answers. - Missing Persons.

John McGuinness

Question:

218 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will encourage the gardaí to search fully all lands within a 20 mile radius of Moone, County Kildare, using the available technology in an effort to locate the body of a missing person (details supplied), the lands within this 20 mile radius that have not been searched; if he has satisfied himself that all information and leads in the case given by the general public have been fully investigated and are at this stage exhausted; if he has satisfied himself that all commitments and promises made to the family by the gardaí and his Department have been honoured; and if he will meet the family to brief them on the status of the investigation and accept from them a report on their position relative to the case. [13655/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that all information given by the general public in this case has been fully investigated. I am further informed that the investigation is continuing and that any new information coming to hand will be acted upon.

The Garda authorities have also informed me they are satisfied that lands in the area in question which were required to be searched have been searched to their satisfaction.

I am also aware that the Garda authorities are in regular contact with members of the family in this case and that they are satisfied that any commitments given by them have been honoured.

I have also met and had correspondence with members of the family. Additional correspondence has been received in recent days to which a reply will issue shortly. I am, of course, prepared to meet the family again should there be a significant development in the matter.