I am fully aware that a vigil was held on 7 February outside Dáil Éireann to mark the 25th birthday of the citizen who remains missing in Spain since 2008. Officials from my Department met with members of the citizen’s family in December 2016 and met with the appointed Garda Family Liaison Officers in January 2017. The Garda FLO remains the primary point of liaison with the family.
The Spanish government has provided assurances that the case is under active police investigation and that the police continue to follow up every possible lead and to cross-check new cases for any potential links to the disappearance of this Irish citizen. It is my Department’s understanding that the concept of a ‘cold case’ review does not exist in Spain.
While from a judicial point of view the case has been temporarily archived in Court in Fuengirola - due to the time that had passed since the citizen’s disappearance and the lack of new information or leads - I understand that this is not unusual and that the case may judicially be re-opened at any stage if there are developments.
Any relevant information pertaining to the ongoing Spanish police investigation should be referred directly to An Garda Síochána, who can liaise with the Spanish authorities through appropriate police to police channels. The designated Garda Síochána family liaison officer stands ready to provide the family with any updates on developments in this case.
