Vol. 530 No. 1
160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of missing persons reported in the past ten years; if figures in the past 12 months represent an increase on previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3370/01]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that 16,520 persons were reported missing to the gardaí from 1990 to 1999 inclusive. This figure represents the number of persons the gardaí took to be genuinely missing, that is missing persons who are under 18 years of age, elderly, physically or mentally handicapped, or persons who disappeared in circumstances which gave rise to fears for their safety. At the end of each year to which the figures relate, approximately 99% of those reported missing are accounted for. For example, of the 9,198 persons who were reported missing in the past five years, all but 55 persons have been accounted for. Statistics for the year 2000 are currently unavailable, but will be published in due course in the Garda Síochána annual report.
