Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to all of the women who have disappeared over the past 25 years particularly in the Leinster area; if investigations are ongoing; if the files are open; if all repots relative to the disappearances have been thoroughly followed up; if the families have been kept up to date; if all reports have been fully investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27059/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that investigations in respect of all missing persons remain open and any new information received is the subject of investigation. Liaison is maintained with their families, who are apprised of any significant developments.

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 Officers in the areas where the women went 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 continue 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 enquiry being pursued. Regular public appeals are made for assistance from the public.

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 Gardaí maximise any new investigative opportunities and that they employ the most up-to-date techniques and methods in line with best international practice.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of unsolved murders over the past 20 years; the number that have occurred in the past ten years; the extent of ongoing investigations into such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27060/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table sets out the number of murders recorded and detected in each year from 1989 - 2008 and in 2009 up to 29 June. Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change. I am further informed that a breakdown of the current position in outstanding cases as requested by the Deputy is not readily available and could only be provided by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.

The detection rate for murders by its nature increases over time as Garda investigations progress. It is expected that over time the number of convictions obtained will increase as Garda investigations are concluded and the number of proceedings commenced are finalised by the courts, as there are inevitably time lapses between the commencement of a criminal investigation, proceedings being commenced and convictions secured. This applies particularly to murders committed in the most recent years. In addition, directions may be received from the Law Officers to charge persons arrested in connection with such incidents with offences other than murder. Furthermore such persons charged and brought before the courts may be convicted of offences other than murder.

While An Garda Síochána have made significant progress in the investigation of a number of killings, there can be considerable difficulties for them in obtaining evidence in shootings which are the result of gangland activities. It has to be accepted that the reality is that associates of a victim of a gangland killing who would have information of value to An Garda Síochána often do not cooperate with Garda investigations. Indeed, they frequently fail to cooperate even when they themselves are the victims of violence. A number of changes to the law on evidence have been made to address this. It has also to be accepted that there is often no connection or personal association between the victim and the perpetrator, which makes it very difficult for An Garda Síochána in their investigation of such a murder. Witnesses may also be subject to high levels of intimidation not to come forward, and it is to assist such witnesses that the Witness Security Programme is in place.

Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.