I propose to take Questions Nos. 539 and 540 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total number of persons reported missing for over five years, and who remain untraced, up to and including 24 May, 2013 is 606. It should be noted that this figure is provisional, operational and liable to change. All incidents where persons have been reported missing remain under investigation until such time as the person is located. The Garda Síochána reviews missing persons cases on a regular basis. The district officer (superintendent) in the area where a person has gone missing takes direct responsibility for all investigations and searches carried out. Local investigation teams are appointed by the district officer, and all means necessary, including the services of specialist units, are deployed to assist in these investigations, as considered appropriate. The services of Interpol and Europol can also be availed of during such investigations, if necessary.
The Garda missing persons bureau, which is responsible for all data relating to missing persons, provides expert assistance and advice to district officers in all high risk missing person cases. The Garda authorities are satisfied that adequate resources, including staff and technology, are in place to deal with this issue and investigations are carried out in line with international best practice.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that a joint protocol is in place with the Health Service Executive, HSE, providing a strategic and uniform approach to the issue of children who are reported as missing from care, with the overall objective of reducing such incidents, preventing such children from suffering harm and returning them to safety as soon as possible. I am advised that the investigation in relation to the case referred to the Deputy is ongoing and am assured that Garda liaison is being maintained with the family concerned.
In so far as the funding of helplines is concerned, my Department has provided funding, since 2008, through the Commission for the Support for the Victims of Crime, for Missing in Ireland Support Services, MISS, a non-profit organisation that provides support to families and friends of missing persons. A total of €8,600 has been allocated to MISS in 2013, with €8,600 provided in 2012 and €9,000 in 2011. My Department also provides accommodation for MISS. I am informed that, in 2012, MISS assisted 98 families and friends of missing persons.