Garda Consider Setting Up Missing Persons Unit

The Minister said: "It is a traumatic event for anyone to have to report a loved one as missing. Having a missing loved one who is untraced causes unimaginable heartache for family and friends. We must do everything we can to locate missing persons and we must ensure that the systems in place are the best possible for dealing with such cases.

"Current Garda procedures for locating missing persons are generally in line with international practice. However, it can only be helpful to have a fresh examination of current practices in Ireland and developments internationally. I also want the Inspectorate to examine the potential role which a specific child alert mechanism - be it national or cross-border - could play in certain circumstances.

"This Government has shown that it is committed to the protection of children and I welcome any initiatives that may help to keep our children safe. I am committed to making Ireland a safer place to live in and I am committed to improving the situation for victims of crime.  I look forward to the Inspectorate's report and I will consider any proposals which will help the Gardaí in their handling of missing persons reports and which will prevent people from becoming victims of crime."