Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 8: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the latest position in regard to Garda Operation Trace into the disappearance of six women in the Leinster area who are feared to have been murdered; his views on the progress made by the Garda investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32843/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Operation Trace was established in October 1998. The original objectives of the investigation team under this operation were to trace, review and collate all evidence pertaining to the separate Garda investigations into the tragic disappearance of six women in the Leinster area. Subsequently, the investigations into the disappearance of three other missing women were also reviewed.

Operation Trace, in conjunction with the Garda district officer in the area where persons have gone missing, continues to take a proactive role in the investigations of the disappearance of these women. In particular, information and intelligence relevant to the operation continues to be collated and integrated into a dedicated stand-alone database maintained for the purpose of the operation. A detective superintendent retains operational responsibility to ensure that all information and queries received are identified, registered and acted upon. The detective superintendent also ensures that liaison is maintained with the families of these missing women, to ensure that they are kept apprised of any progress or developments arising from information received or lines of inquiry being pursued. Operation Trace will continue its role of collating, reviewing and examining all evidence based on inquiries and investigations conducted under the direction of the respective district officers.

An Garda Síochána has devoted significant resources, time and investigative skill to the investigation of these disappearances. Over time the cases have been subject to numerous reviews to ensure that the Garda maximises any new investigative opportunities and employs the most up-to-date techniques and methods in line with best international practice. I know all Members will share my hope that these cases will be resolved.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I do share the Minister's hope. These are tragic cases and I must confess I do not know too much about them other than what I read in newspapers. This question was tabled because a colleague of the Minister, a Minister of State, was quoted in three different newspapers as stating what has gone on is nothing short of a national disgrace. He accuses the Garda of sticking their heads in the sand when it comes to missing people.

According to a headline, a Minister stated the searches were bungled and there is elaborate commentary from the Minister of State, Deputy John McGuinness. Does the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform agree with his colleague?

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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No, I do not agree with my colleague. I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner on many occasions with regard to this matter. I accept the Minister of State, Deputy McGuinness, has particular constituency interests with regard to this issue. It is difficult, particularly the case in which he has been involved. I have been assured by the Garda Commissioner that extensive work continues with regard to these cases. I have asked the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, which is independent of the Garda Síochána, to examine whether a dedicated unit for missing persons should be established and whether a system similar to Amber Alert in the United States should be put in place. I am awaiting its response on that. Having spoken to the Garda Commissioner, I am very happy that he and his staff have devoted significant resources to the investigation of these issues.

It is interesting that in 2006, 6,811 people were reported to the Garda as being missing, of whom 109 are still untraced. In 2007, there was a significant increase in that there were 7,992 designated as missing, of whom 98 are missing to date. When a person is reported missing, the Garda has a unit that alerts all Garda stations. The Garda press office is very active in trying to feed information to the media. The Garda superintendent for the area involved is the person responsible for running the investigation and he must work with gardaí nationally, Interpol, Europol and the UK authorities, with whom they have many connections in respect of these issues. I very much concur with the Deputy and have spoken to the Garda Commissioner on this matter on a number of occasions.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the fact that the Minister has moved to distance himself from the comments made by his Government colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy McGuinness, in another outburst of some importance.

The Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, should proceed with the setting up of a stand-alone missing persons unit, which has proved successful in other jurisdictions. On what the Minister said about international best practice and international co-operation, will he suggest to the Garda Commissioner that the assistance and involvement of psychic detectives from Great Britain might be useful in the circumstances of Operation Trace? Will he explore this possibility at the next meeting?

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I do not accept what the Minister of State, Deputy McGuinness, said on the investigation of the incidents because I have taken the time to talk to the Garda Commissioner thereon. To be fair to Deputy McGuinness, like any other Deputy with such a case in his constituency, he is extremely worried that the person responsible for the heinous crime has not been brought to justice. This has been the case despite the best efforts of the Garda.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Do we know it is one person?

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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People such as the Deputies are trying to make political points in respect of the case.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Worry does not excuse an outburst.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Garda Commissioner, to whom I have spoken on a number of occasions regarding this case, is satisfied that the existing Garda system is absolutely in accordance with best international practice. However, on foot of the constant calls to have a dedicated missing persons unit, I have asked the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to consider the idea. I will not prejudge what it will say despite the Deputies' exhortations.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The question relates to six women who have been murdered. The cases remain unsolved and it is unfair of the Minister to state anyone is trying to make political points. As far as I am concerned, the Garda is doing its best to solve the murders. I am drawing attention to the widespread press coverage of the Minister of State, Deputy John McGuinness, who went into elaborate detail on why he believes the investigation is a national disgrace and that the searches were bungled. Is the Minister challenging the right of a member of the Opposition to table a question on a matter so serious for the families concerned? When the Minister tells me he is satisfied the Garda is doing everything it can to resolve the problem, I am prepared to accept that.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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To demonstrate the bona fides of the Garda on these issues, the Garda Commissioner recently set up a Garda serious crime review team, managed by a detective superintendent, who assists senior investigating officers in the investigation of serious crimes, by identifying new and potential investigative opportunities and international practices, and disseminating information and looking back on good practice. This is part of the overall review of old cases.

The Minister of State, Deputy McGuinness, has a particular issue in respect of a constituent and it is a little unfair for Deputy Rabbitte to draw attention to his comments in the first points of his question.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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That is why I tabled the question.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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To be fair, he has an issue because the matter relates to a constituent and there is still a perpetrator at large.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Can I make wild allegations because a constituent is upset?