Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding Garda Operation Trace into the disappearance of six women in the Leinster area who are feared to have been murdered; his views on the comments of Minister of State John McGuinness, who has described the Garda operation as being nothing short of a national disgrace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27035/08]

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 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.

Information and intelligence relative to the Operation continues to be collated and assimilated on a dedicated stand-alone database maintained for the purpose of the Operation. A Detective Superintendent retains operational responsibility to ensure that all such information and queries received are identified, catalogued 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 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 best international practice.