Missing Cavan woman's case raised in the Dáil

Jean Tighe from Munterconnaught has been missing for four years

Deputy Brendan Smith has called again for a “comprehensive search” to be carried out in Portugal for missing Co Cavan woman Jean Tighe.

Ms Tighe (38) disappeared from Parede, a Portuguese holiday resort, on July 13, 2020. Despite repeated efforts from Irish authorities, it took three years to add her name to a missing persons database in Portugal.

Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday, Deputy Smith said the family had sought every possible assistance to locate their beloved daughter and sibling since she went missing.

“I have made numerous representations to the departments of foreign affairs and justice to stress the absolute necessity of ensuring proper and adequate searches are undertaken to locate Jean,” he added.

“It took an inordinate and totally unacceptable time for the Portuguese police authorities to put Jean's name on the missing persons database. It was clear from early on that modern investigative and search tools were not used in the search. I have called repeatedly for an investigation into Jean's disappearance that is absolutely comprehensive and thorough.”

The Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD went on to express his “disappointment and fury” in learning that the Portuguese authorities have been awaiting responses from An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice for some time.

“The least our authorities can do is to act with urgency,” continued Deputy Smith. “We have a young woman who is missing and a very distraught family, friends and community. This State, by its actions, must show that it cares.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar added; “I really feel for the family concerned and I know that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs are aware of this case and have taken action on it. I know our embassy and our staff on the ground in Lisbon are doing all they can.”