157 missing for past five years still not found

Of the 47,773 people who have been reported missing here in the past five years, 157 have never been found, figures from the Department of Justice show.

Of those who are missing, 23 disappeared in 2011.

According to the figures, 2015 was one of the worst years for disappearances. There were 9,969 people reported missing — of whom 46 have still not been found.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald was asked by her party colleague Bernard Durkan whether adequate resources were available to a dedicated section within the gardaí to search for missing persons.

The minister pointed out that it was up to the Garda commissioner to decide on the deployment of personnel and resources within the force.

However, she added that all incidents where people have been reported missing remain under investigation until such time as the person is located.

“I am informed that the Garda authorities are satisfied that adequate resources are in place in relation to the management of missing persons cases.

“District officers in the area where a person has gone missing take direct responsibility for all investigations/searches carried out,” she said.

She said 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, when considered appropriate”.

The Missing Persons Bureau, which was established in 1982, is responsible for all data relating to missing persons.

Staffed by a sergeant, a garda and a civilian, its main function is to maintain accurate and up-to-date records on missing persons within the jurisdiction.

It also assists district officers in their investigations of missing person incidents and with the identification of bodies.

In the course of its work, the bureau liaises with international police forces as well as Interpol.