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Gnáthamharc

Missing Persons.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 March 2006

Wednesday, 1 March 2006

Ceisteanna (162)

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

177 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, following the decision to cease the provision of funding for the missing persons helpline, such a helpline could instead be funded directly through his Department or through the Garda Síochána; if same has been considered by him or the Garda authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8287/06]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In March 2005, I established a new Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime to devise an appropriate support framework for victims of crime into the future and to disburse funding for victim support measures. The commission is entirely independent in its decision making and examines each application on its merits. The commission received an application from the Missing in Ireland Support Service for €71,600 to establish, staff and operate a helpline for missing persons. After careful consideration of the application the commission decided to offer funding of €25,000; however, this offer was rejected by the Missing in Ireland Support Service. It should be borne in mind in this context that the commission is charged with funding support services for victims of crime, and that, while some persons who are missing are crime victims, most are not. It remains open to the Missing In Ireland Support Service to make an application to my Department for assistance, if it so wishes. Any such application will be carefully considered on its merits.

The missing persons bureau in Garda headquarters is responsible for maintaining data on missing persons. All cases of a person reported missing in suspicious circumstances remain open and under ongoing review and investigation until the person is located or, in the case of a missing person who is presumed drowned, a verdict to that effect by the coroner.

At present, local Garda management takes direct responsibility for missing person cases, and special investigation teams are appointed as necessary. All missing persons are recorded on the PULSE system. When a person is reported missing, the local Garda superintendent takes direct responsibility for the investigation and will appoint an investigation team to include any specialised unit deemed necessary, for example, the national bureau of criminal investigation or the technical bureau. The systems put in place by the Garda Síochána to manage and deal with reports of missing persons are in line with best international police practice, and Garda management is satisfied and has assured me that the systems in place are adequate to deal with any reported case of a missing person.

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