The Justice Minister says the investigation into the disappearance of Mary Boyle in Co Donegal almost 40 years ago is ongoing.

It follows reports that a "cold case" unit is reviewing evidence in the case.

The six-year-old, from Kincasslagh in Co Donegal, went missing while visiting her grandparents near Ballyshannon in March 1977.

Frances Fitzgerald says gardaí are pursuing the case.

"There is an ongoing Garda investigation, I can confirm that," she said.  "There is obviously attention also being given to this by the coroner's court."