A Garda study has been sanctioned to look into the possibility of setting up a dedicated Garda-run missing persons unit, which will signal hope for Limerick families of people who have gone missing.

Limerick West Fianna Fáil TD, John Cregan has welcomed the news that the Garda Inspectorate is to consider setting up the unit, which could be similar in style to the team from US TV show ‘Without a Trace’.

The study—which will re-examine Irish/international procedures and look at the possibility of introducing an ‘Amber Alert’ system for missing persons similar to an American model—follows a request by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern.

Six Limerick people who have gone missing in the last 12 years are currently still unaccounted for and appeals for information are made on the website: www.missing.ie

These include Aengus ‘Gussie’ Shanahan, Matthew Carroll, Tony Brosnan, Dennis Walsh and Des Walsh.

“There are few things as traumatic for a family as having a loved one go missing. No one can imagine the suffering they go through, the heartache they endure. Under such circumstances it is only right that everything should be done to help them trace the missing person,” said Deputy John Cregan.

“A dedicated missing persons unit might help bring together specialised personnel who would be best equipped to deal with these cases. I’m sure the Garda Inspectorate will thoroughly examine this matter and if there is a need to change the existing practises that are in place. I look forward to hearing what their study has to say,” Minister Ahern added.

“While current Garda procedures are “generally in line with international practice it can only be helpful to have a fresh examination of current practices in Ireland. 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,” the Minister said.

“I am committed to making Ireland a safer place to live in and I am committed to improving the situation for victims of crime,” Minister Ahern said.

Missing.ie lists details of the circumstances surrounding the disappearances of people from all over Ireland and abroad and gives contacts to report sightings or information.

It also offers a forum for the family and friends of missing persons to make online entries asking for information or acknowledging efforts to find loved ones.

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