220 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Justice the number of unsolved murders in the country; the number of cases being actively investigated by the Garda; the number of cases on which no action is currently being undertaken by the Garda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23252/96]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and could be obtained only by a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources. The total number of unsolved murders in this jurisdiction could be established only by checking records for all cases reported or known since the foundation of the State. Available information for the period 1990-95 shows that detections have not been made in 26 murder cases. I am informed by the Garda authorities that all murder investigations remain open and that new information, as it comes to light in respect of these cases, is actively pursued.