Unidentified Human Remains / Missing Persons Unit

Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau was in studio to discuss the work of together the National Missing Persons Unit of which he has responsibility. Colm emphasised An Garda Síochána’s commitment to solving such long term cases, and explained how their work has been enhanced through recent investigative advances, resulting in the progression of cases and closure for some families.

Colm explained how when an exhumation takes place and a DNA profile is successfully taken the I-Familia Database becomes significant in:

• Comparing to Irish Missing Person Cases.
• Identifying unsolved cases which can benefit from sharing DNA to an international database.
• Benefit people whose remains are believed to have entered the sea and have been washed out of Irish waters by tidal movements.

The Missing Persons Unit has developed excellent international co-operation with other jurisdictions through Europol and Interpol databases searches and issuing Maritime Alerts with neighbouring jurisdictions.  

The Missing Persons Unit is committed to using advancements in technology to solve these cases. While reviewing these cases, An Garda Síochána hope to bring closure to the families.  

The Missing Persons unit are actively working with each Garda District & Division to progress missing person’s investigations and need the help of the public in order to do so. All information is insignificant in a missing person’s investigation, and anyone with information should allow Garda analyse its value.  Please either contact your local Garda Station or the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111.  Alternatively, you can contact the Missing Persons’ Unit on 01-6669476.

The missing person investigation remains open until the person is found – Gone but never forgotten.