Vol. 541 No. 2
141 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps taken by the Garda Síochána to trace the whereabouts of a person (details supplied); the level of contact between the Garda and this person's family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21998/01]
First, I wish to sympathise with the family of the person in question as I can readily appreciate how distressing her disappearance must be for all concerned.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the person in question was reported missing in November 1999, having last been seen in Manchester on 3 November 1999. Particulars were circulated immediately by the Garda Síochána throughout the country and a full-scale investigation commenced to establish her whereabouts. The Garda Síochána, having obtained background information, made necessary inquiries at certain hospitals, night shelters and hostels. Further extensive inquires were made with the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs, housing sections of local authorities and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. Financial institutions where the person held accounts were also checked. I also understand that liaison was maintained with the Greater Manchester Police, police at Holyhead and Interpol. I am assured by the Garda authorities that optimum use was made of all Garda resources, including its telecommunications section, missing persons website and PULSE computer system.
I am further informed that the case was the subject of an appeal on the RTE's "Crimeline" on 17 April 2000. Although there was an encouraging response to this appeal, all subsequent inquiries proved inconclusive. Posters of the person in question were printed by family members and displayed prominently throughout Dublin. Exhaustive inquiries have been made by the Garda Síochána at Dundrum Garda station in an effort to locate the missing person. I am assured by the Garda authorities that a Garda sergeant assigned to this investigation has maintained contact with members of the family and has apprised them of the developments. In this regard, I am informed that the most recent Garda contact with the family of the missing person occurred on 27 September 2001. Despite the extensive inquiries that have already been carried out, there has yet to be positive developments, although, of course, the Garda investigation will continue apace.
