I am grateful for having been allowed to address the committee on the subject of missing persons. The subject has for too long remained under the radar. It is gratifying to see at last some interest from the Oireachtas.
I represent Missing in Ireland Support Service, operator of the national missing persons helpline. I have the honour of serving as chairman. I am accompanied by our helpline co-ordinator, Mr. Ciaran Casey. With five minutes available to me and much to say, I hope members will understand if I proceed quickly through this presentation in order to cover as much as I can. I hope my voice holds up.
What is a missing person? The UK Association of Chief Police Officers defines a missing person as:
Anyone whose whereabouts is unknown whatever the circumstances of disappearance. They will be considered missing until located and their well-being or otherwise established.
The accepted understanding of a missing person is that the term relates to an individual whose whereabouts are not known. From experience, we contend, however, that other categories should also fall within the general description. Examples include the loss of identity, that is, unidentified remains and unidentifiable persons suffering loss of memory. We must not forget the sad plight of families who have a loved one missing abroad or cases where an individual's lifestyle may place him outside regular contact with family or acquaintances and whose disappearance may go unnoticed. A recent example of this is the Wexford case in which a man lay dead for many weeks. We ask whether one is missing only if somebody misses one.
Most of us can only imagine what it is like to have a missing loved one. If one has ever sat up at night waiting for a family member to come home, lost a child in a shopping centre, lost the family pet, lost a valuable personal item or misplaced a large amount of money, one will have had a short, sharp experience of the panic this traumatic event can bring about.
Statistics in the Garda's annual reports show that an average of 7,000 people are reported missing annually. While the vast majority are located quickly, a small number are untraced at the end of each year. While a further breakdown of the statistics to show the personal profile of the individuals concerned or the eventual outcome would be extremely useful, it is not available. However, international studies have shown that reasons for a person going missing can include personal or family problems, psychiatric and mental issues, financial difficulties, relationship breakdown, a desire to start a new life, being the victim of a criminal act, and suicide.
The disappearance of a family member, loved one or friend is not an event we can be prepared for. Simple things, such as a usable recent photograph or item that can be used to extract DNA, are often difficult to obtain. Irrespective of the circumstances, we can be certain that those who are left behind will suffer considerable mental and emotional trauma. They will experience disbelief initially, followed quickly by uncontrollable panic, a feeling of helplessness, guilt and, frequently, despair.
The Garda is obviously the first port of call for a family. However, we must query families' expectations when they contact the force and whether they are reasonable. If these expectations are not met, for whatever reason, the level of trauma is increased. The functions of the Garda are usually more focused on the investigative aspect of dealing with missing persons. The Garda is not equipped or resourced to deal with the emotional trauma that accompanies such an event, thereby leaving a huge gap to fill.
The vast majority of missing persons return safe and sound within 72 hours but an unacceptable number do not. It is at this time that families need help most. Important family requirements at the point of initial Garda contact are reassurance of Garda follow-up, information on what will and will not be done and the timescale. Contact details for both sides should be agreed and noted and ongoing liaison is essential. The family should be advised on what it should or should not do to prevent confusion. Contact details for the missing persons helpline should be passed on to the family in each case so it can receive information and assistance on how best to deal with the emotional aspect of their circumstances.
While a family will co-operate with investigating gardaí, it will usually go it alone while waiting for the system to kick in. Methods used include postering. We are all familiar by now with the ever-increasing proliferation of posters attached to street poles. Broadcasting details on the Internet can quickly and effectively raise awareness. Word-of-mouth communication among friends and associates of the missing person is another method. The media must be used with great care. While media can comprise a valuable tool, it is a tool over which there is little control. Sensational reporting is all too common and can show a distinct lack of consideration for those who are trying desperately to cope with their circumstances.
Missing in Ireland Support Service, MISS, is a non-denominational, non-political registered charity providing a support service to those who are left behind in missing persons cases. The operation of MISS is overseen by an executive committee elected at the annual general meeting. The primary aim of MISS is to support families and individuals who have a relative, colleague or friend who is officially classified as missing. Our support service can take many forms and is generally aimed at responding to the individual needs and circumstances of the family or person contacting us. The organisation is also engaged in educational and publicity programmes aimed at creating awareness of the consequences of persons going missing.
MISS is not a search organisation and feels searching is best left to those who are trained and qualified to do so. We do, however, publish posters and details of missing persons on our website. We also endeavour to take our mobile display to one shopping centre per month.
As I stated, I have much to say and little time to do so. For this reason, I have submitted more detailed documents to the clerk of the committee. I trust these will prove useful.
I submit the following suggestions for the members' consideration. The disappearance of a loved one has been described as a fate worse than death in the family. With no return, body or closure, the ordeal goes on and on. It is vital that proper recognition be given to the issue of Ireland's missing persons. The few statistics available show that the incidence of reporting remains high. Leaving aside the cost of resources required to deal with the problem, there are consequential costs associated with the worry and distress suffered by those left behind. This can often lead to severe health and welfare problems.
Serious consideration must be given to the establishment of a viable multidisciplinary and co-ordinated response to all missing persons reports. The recent report and recommendations of the Garda inspector suggest that the force should work more closely with volunteer organisations. It is essential, therefore, that it involve appropriate support groups at an early stage in order to lessen family trauma.
While it is exceptional that a physical search is required or relevant, such searches tend to be high profile and the result of tragic circumstances. A system must be put in place whereby all official bodies and organisations that are qualified and capable of assisting in the search effort are part of a combined response register and called in at the earliest possible opportunity. Appropriate protocols and insurances will be required.
The first 48 hours following a disappearance are the most crucial. It is, therefore, important that a means of broadcasting an alert be identified. This is particularly relevant in high-risk cases. Methods could include the use of television, social media and pictorial phone messaging.
A register of unidentified human remains should be compiled and unambiguous protocols put in place to ensure such remains are subjected to full and rigorous investigation and DNA sampling, where possible. A dependable information-sharing system is also required to ensure the widest possible broadcasting of such discoveries, both throughout Ireland and further afield, so the possibility of identification is taken to the highest level.
The Garda missing persons protocols should be subjected to audit to ensure they are fit for purpose and operating at an effective level. Additional resources should be made available if considered necessary. A more detailed breakdown of Garda missing persons statistics should be introduced to facilitate proper research and assist with the formulation of preventive measures to address the problem.
A national forum consisting of gardaí, relevant State bodies and recognised NGOs that work in the area of missing persons should be established to ensure a viable, agreed and co-ordinated response system is put in place.