'Never too late' - DNA from unidentified human remains to be compared with national samples

DNA from dozens of unidentified human remains will soon be compared with samples in Ireland's national database. 

It comes as the Department of Justice today (May 16) published information provided by coroners on unidentified remains across the country. 

It's hoped that advancements in DNA profiling - which have led to case breakthroughs in recent years - will assist in discovering the identity of bodies and solve missing person cases. 

According to the Department, approximately 856 unsolved missing persons cases are currently live on the Garda Pulse system. 

The data published today comprises 44 records, while where are DNA profiles for 28 unidentified remains on the National DNA Database.

The Department of Justice intends to arrange for samples of the remaining 16 unidentified remains to be attained where possible, and Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) will attempt to extract DNA from the samples and upload DNA profiles to the national database. 

The process is expected to take some time to complete.

Commenting on the publication of the coronial returns Minister Browne said, "Today, as details of unidentified remains are published for the first time, we remember in particular the families and friends of missing people in Ireland and recognise the ongoing pain suffered and the lack of closure in the absence of the remains of their loved ones.

"I know that the families of missing people have long called for the release of this information. We have listened to that request and I welcome the publication of that data today. It is important to say that this will not have been an easy task for coroners, given many of these files pre-date digitisation and would have required a physical trawl.

"I thank the coroners for their co-operation, and hope that the release of this information may assist in the identification and location of missing family members."

He continued: "Importantly, there may be something contained in the information released today that triggers a memory or rings a bell with any one of us. If you or someone you know has any information that might assist in solving a missing person case, I would urge you to report it to An Garda Síochána.

"It’s never too late, and any information provided to An Garda Síochána may help those suffering the loss of their missing loved one to find some answers.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan, An Garda Síochána said, "An Garda Síochána recognises the lasting sense of trauma for the families and friends of those who have gone missing. In 2018, An Garda Síochána commenced a substantial body of work in relation to unidentified human remains and this work continues to date." 

According to Detective Chief Superintendent Noonan, Operation Runabay was established in 2017 by the Missing Persons Unit, with a particular focus on advancing the investigation of cases involving unidentified persons discovered along the western coast of the United Kingdom. 

In recent years, the Missing Persons Unit has expanded this operation to include greater co-operation with the British National Crime Agency and other neighbouring jurisdictions, exchanging information related to missing persons and unidentified human remains both at home and in other jurisdictions. 

Noonan continued: "As a member of the Maritime Missing Persons Expert Group, An Garda Síochána can circulate alerts to a number of countries enabling faster conveyance of information of unidentified remains.

"An Garda Síochána and Forensic Science Ireland have worked in partnership over the past number of years to deliver a DNA testing facility for the families of missing persons. This service was available to the families of missing persons at the National Missing Persons Day ceremony in December 2022 and is available for any family of missing persons to engage with An Garda Síochána.” 

Director of Forensic Science Ireland, Chris Enright, said, "Forensic Science Ireland continues to work closely with the Missing Persons Bureau of An Garda Síochána. In 2022 FSI assisted in 74 Missing Persons cases where DNA reference samples from family members were submitted to FSI for DNA profiling and uploaded to the National DNA Database.

"FSI assisted in the identification of 12 Missing Persons in 2022. Forensic Science Ireland remains committed to continuously developing the science and technology available in support of Missing Person investigations.”

Queries about the data, including the current location of any unidentified remains, should be directed to the relevant Coroner.