Some 195 countries have been contacted by gardaí as part of efforts to identify an elderly man in custody on charges of alledgedly using the names of two dead babies to obtain Irish passports, Cork District Court was told today.
Det Garda Padraic Hanley of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation said while he could not say as yet how many countries have returned negative findings, he knows "for a fact" that "no-one has said yes" with regard to the man's identify.
He said both Canadian authorities and the UK's National Crime Agency have returned negative responses following garda enquiries into the 70-year-old man's identity.
They are awaiting responses from New Zealand and Australia and enquiries are ongoing in the US.
The man was arrested by officials from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation at the Cork Passport Office on 15 September and has been in custody in Cork Prison since on passport-related charges.
White haired, and bearded, the man appeared via video link at Cork District Court today.
Det Garda Hanley told Judge Olann Kelleher that the investigation into his identity is still progressing, saying enquiries have also been made with the Road Safety Authority, the Residential Tenancies Board, the ESB and the VHI, as well as at a number of addresses within the jurisdiction.
A team has been assembled to carry out enquiries.
An application was made by Sergeant Pat Lyons on behalf of the State to remand the man, known only as Philip Morris, in custody to facilitiate the continuing inquiries.
Solicitor Frank Buttimer said there will have to be a cut-off point as to when a decision is made in relation to the matter.
Judge Kelleher acknowledged this but said the Director of Public Prosecutions cannot make a decision when they do not know who the man is.
He granted the State's application to remand 'Mr Morris' in custody until 24 October.
Judge Kelleher also said that unless there was a development, it would not be necessary for members of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation to appear in court in person on 24 October.
It would be enough for them to furnish a written report outlining the up-to-date position.
