Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on recent comments that the gardaí had refused to use new technology in respect of missing persons cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21152/08]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 159: 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; if he shares the views expressed by Minister of State, Mr. John McGuinness, who has described the Garda operation as nothing short of a national disgrace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21085/08]

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the gardaí are adequately resourced and have sufficient access to modern technologies to address missing persons cases including cold case files; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21153/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 159 and 196 together.

Operation Trace was established in October, 1998. The original objectives of the investigation team under this dedicated initiative were to trace, review and collate all evidence pertaining to the separate Garda investigations into the disappearance of six women in the Leinster area. Subsequently the investigations into the disappearance of four other missing women were also reviewed.

The Investigation Team was originally and principally tasked with establishing if any commonality existed between the various disappearances. To date no such linkage or commonality has been established between the cases.

Information and intelligence relative to the Operation continues to be collated and assimilated on a dedicated stand-alone database maintained for the purpose of this Operation. A Detective Superintendent retains operational responsibility for ensuring that all such information and queries received are identified, catalogued and actioned to a conclusion. The Detective Superintendent also ensures that liaison is maintained with the families of these missing women, ensuring that they are kept apprised of any progress or developments arising from further information received or lines of enquiry being pursued.

Operation Trace will continue its role of collating, reviewing and examining all evidence based on enquiries and investigations conducted under the direction of the respective District Officers.

I am confident that An Garda Síochána has devoted significant resources, time and investigative skills to investigate these disappearances. The cases have been subject to numerous reviews to ensure that the Gardaí maximise any new investigative opportunities and that they employ the most up to date techniques and methods in line with the best international practice.

The Missing Persons Bureau in Garda Headquarters is responsible for maintaining data relating to missing persons. All cases of a person reported missing in suspicious circumstances remain open and under ongoing review and investigation until the person is located or, in the case of a missing person who is presumed drowned, a verdict to that effect by the coroner. District Officers in the area where persons have gone missing take direct responsibility for all investigations and searches carried out. Local investigation teams are appointed by the District Officer and all means necessary, including the services of specialist units, are deployed to assist in these investigation. The services of Europol and Interpol are also availed of during such investigations.

Appropriate training is provided to Garda personnel to facilitate them in effectively carrying out their functions in relation to missing persons. The investigation of missing persons is a dedicated subject on the curriculum at the Garda College, Templemore, and is also a subject covered in in-service training. Further training initiatives have been undertaken over the years. A Search Planning and Management Course conducted by the PSNI was attended by representatives of An Garda Síochána in 2005. In addition a delegation from An Garda Síochána visited the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in Washington, the FBI Academy, the New York Missing Persons Bureau and the New York City Coroners Department with a view to examining techniques used in the US. The experience gained by An Garda Síochána in these areas has been invaluable in their work in dealing with missing persons.

In 2005 the ViCLAS (Violent Linkage System) was installed in the Criminal Intelligence Section of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. This installation, by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, provides a database to capture, collate and compare violent crimes within and across several jurisdictions. ViCLAS is a valuable tool in the investigation of serious and complex cases and encourages and facilitates communication between investigation teams in pursuit of a common goal that might not otherwise occur.

In September 2004 the missing children's website www.missingkids.ie was inaugurated. It is a joint initiative between An Garda Síochána and the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children in Washington. This website enables the Garda Síochána to circulate instantaneously and internationally to other police forces written details and high quality photographs of children reported missing.

The Garda Serious Crime Review Team was established as part of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigations in 2007. The purpose of the Unit, which is managed by a Detective Superintendent, is primarily to assist Senior Investigating Officers in the investigation of serious crime, by identifying new and potential investigative opportunities and operational practices, based on lessons learned and identification of good practice for dissemination to the investigative and operational units. To date the main types of incident subject of such review have been murders recorded, primarily since 1980, for which no person has been made amenable.

The Garda authorities are satisfied that adequate resources, including technological resources, are in place and being used to deal with missing persons cases and are in line with best international practices. The Garda authorities continue to monitor international developments in this area with a view to introducing any further initiatives which they consider useful.