Database of human remains hopes to ‘trigger’ memories
For the first time, the Department of Justice has published data on unidentified remains of 44 people, hoping to trigger a memory for people to hopefully solve a case.
With the data released on Friday, the department also disclosed that there are currently about 856 unsolved missing persons cases live on the Garda Pulse system.
Two databases were published, one more recent and one historical. The data shows where the remains were found, distinguishing identifiers like clothing, and whether a post-mortem was held and details if available. It also notes where the individuals are interred today, or whether they are in the morgue, or elsewhere.
The data published last week is made up of 44 records; DNA profiles for 28 unidentified remains are on the National DNA Database, and a further 16 that are yet to be sampled.
ST STEPHEN’S & MIDLETON
Amongst the 44 listings, the database includes the details of the remains of a person who passed away in St Stephen’s Hospital in Glanmire in September 2021, who was laid to rest in St Finbarr’s cemetery. Another is of the remains found in Roxboro in Midleton, of a female found on the old railway line. This person has not been interred, and investigations are ongoing.
Commenting on the publication of the coronial returns, Minister of State James Browne said “With the publication, 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.
“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.”
A map published by the department shows that between 1999 and 2021 there were five remains located in the Cork coronial district, and another six in the Tipperary district between 1999 and 2020.