Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 1

Priority Questions. - Serial Killer.

Alan Shatter

Question:

28 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an interview undertaken by a retired senior member of An Garda Síochána in which he alleged that there is a serial killer on the loose who is responsible for a number of unsolved murders; if he has consulted with the Garda Commissioner concerning the nature of the investigation being undertaken to identify and prosecute the alleged serial killer for offences allegedly committed by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2988/01]

Mr. O'Donoghue

I am aware of the wide-ranging interview to which the Deputy refers, in which an individual expressed views about a number of yet unsolved cases and which also involved discussion on whether a serial killer was responsible for the disappearance of a number of missing women. As I have previously informed the House, Operation Trace was established by the Garda Commissioner for the specific purpose of establishing whether any common denominator linked any of six women who went missing in the Leinster area between 1993 and 1998. I am sure the House will appreciate that the manner in which these women disappeared creates particular difficulties for the investigating gardaí. As there is no crime scene, criminal profiling is not possible and analysis based on crime scene examination and pathological evidence is not available. Furthermore, I understand that victim profiling has not established any link between the cases.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as yet, no discernible pattern has emerged which would support the theory that a serial killer could have been involved in all of these disappearances. Each of the cases currently under review by Operation Trace was originally investigated in depth by the Garda Síochána in the locality of the disappearance. I understand all information and leads relating to any of these separate cases is systematically and vigorously pursued and that Operation Trace has comprehensively reviewed the cases of six missing women and has yielded new lines of inquiries that have been pursued in conjunction with the original investigation teams. Furthermore, a unique database has been devised which facilitates cross referencing of detail and highlighting of similarities between cases.

Additional Information.The Garda authorities assure me that the effectiveness of the working methods and procedures employed in missing persons cases are continually reviewed. As a result of this, substantial changes were made in 1998 such as the introduction of new guidelines and procedures which place a particular emphasis on keeping the families of missing persons informed by a liaison officer, who deals with a designated family member.

I am informed that there are lines of inquiry ongoing in these cases. Many searches have been conducted and further searches will be based on the available information and intelligence.

While I wish the former member of the force in question well in his retirement, I am informed by the Garda authorities that he was not involved in any of the original inquiries into these cases nor in Operation Trace. In the circumstances his comments amount to no more than speculation for which those involved in the investigation have no evidence. The speculation, however well intentioned, is not fair to the families involved who have suffered greatly.

I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that he has full confidence in the existing Operation Trace and as with all Garda operations, Operation Trace is under continuous review to ensure that it is effective in achieving its purpose.

Mr. Shatter

When was the unique database, as the Minister describes it, established? Would he acknowledge that it is a matter of serious public concern that a senior, retired member of the Garda Síochána should allege that there is a serial killer on the loose? At what stage was it con sidered that the disappearance of the women concerned could be linked and that there was a possibility that they could have been murdered by the same person?

Will the Minister tell the House whether he has had a meeting with the Garda Commissioner about this matter?

Mr. O'Donoghue

I have discussed this with the Garda Commissioner on a number of occasions. With all due respect to the inspector who made the statement about a serial killer, he was not involved at any point in Operation Trace nor was he involved in any of the investigations in relation to the women concerned.

The absence of criminal profiling means there is no scene and, when there is no scene, it makes things difficult, to say the least. There is no discernible pattern which has become apparent to the Garda Síochána following investigation, which would suggest or establish that there is a serial killer on the loose. That is not a possibility one could exclude but there has been nothing to suggest it to date. The reason there has not been a profile is that a body has not been found at a scene which would assist in the investigation.

The Garda Síochána is investigating these matters still. None of the files have been closed.