Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Missing Persons.

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

135 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider the establishment of a missing persons' rapid response unit to co-ordinate the search for people who go missing and to arrange a review of all missing persons files nationwide to date; and if he will give further consideration to the provision of a 24 hour free-phone helpline for the relatives of missing persons. [21091/01]

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

I fully understand and readily sympathise with the distress which families must face when a loved one goes missing and I have spoken in the House on many occasions on this subject. As I have indicated before, the deployment of Garda resources and the investigative methods used in missing persons' cases are matters for the Garda Commissioner. I am informed that the Commissioner considers that such investigations are more effective when they have the kind of local focus that is achieved under existing arrangements.

These arrangements require that the Garda district officer of the area from where the person has gone missing takes direct responsibility for the investigation and employs all necessary investigative means, including, as required, the services of all specialist units. Moreover, a Garda liaison officer is appointed to liaise with one appointed family member and updates him or her on any developments that take place. In addition, an administrative and statistical function is maintained at the Missing Persons Bureau, Garda Headquarters.

The Garda Síochána also operates a website which gives details of certain missing persons. On an international level, the Garda Síochána liaises with Interpol and relevant non-governmental organisations, where appropriate. I am assured by the Garda authorities that the Garda Síochána does all in its power to locate missing persons and that it provides considerable support to families. I also emphasise that all relevant Garda structures and methodologies are constantly under review, including the issue of a centralised Garda national missing persons unit.

The funding of a dedicated helpline, counselling service and other support facilities for the families of missing persons is not a function that would normally fall within my remit. However, in deference to concerns expressed on this matter, I have instructed my Department to examine the issue and it is currently in discussions with a State-funded organisation in relation to the provision of a helpline. I also understand that health boards may be in a position to offer appropriate counselling and support services to those members of a declared missing person's family who are identified as being in need of such services. I further understand that the provision of these services is a matter, in the first instance, for each health board, having regard to the needs in individual cases.