Written Answers. - Missing Persons.
Eamon Gilmore
Question:
45
Mr. Gilmore
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the progress made to date in the Garda Síochána investigation into the disappearance and suspected murder of a number of women in the Leinster area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6140/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
121
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the way in which it is considered best to achieve a rapid response in respect of persons reported missing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6372/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
122
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
the number of women reported missing in the Leinster region over the past number of years; the extent to which investigations are progressing in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[6373/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45, 121 and 122 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of women reported missing in the Leinster region from 1996-99, the last year for which figures are available, are as follows:
|
Year
|
Number
|
|
1996
|
648
|
|
1997
|
767
|
|
1998
|
784
|
|
1999
|
944
|
When a person is reported missing, the case is assessed by the Garda Síochána, and for the overwhelming majority of such missing persons, including the women to which the above statistics relate, the cases are speedily resolved. The number of women in Leinster who remained untraced at the end of the years mentioned is seven.
Where the gardaí consider that a person is genuinely missing, a full Garda investigation takes place under the supervision and direction of the local district officer. An investigation team is immediately convened which draws together any specialist resources which the district officer considers are necessary to locate the missing person. In addition, every district has a specially trained search team which is familiar with the locality. At division level, investigations are co-ordinated by the relevant chief superintendent.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the effectiveness of the working methods and procedures employed in missing persons cases are continually reviewed. As a result of this ongoing review, substantial changes were introduced in 1998, which included the bringing into operation of new guidelines and procedures which place a particular emphasis on keeping the families of missing persons informed of developments by a liaison officer, who deals with a designated family member.
Operation Trace was established by the Garda commissioner to review the cases of six women who went missing in the Leinster region between 1993 and 1999 and, in particular, to establish whether any common denominator links these cases.
The manner in which these women disappeared creates particular difficulties for the investigating members of the Garda Síochána. The absence of any discernible crime scene means that criminal profiling is not possible and that analysis based on crime scene examination and pathological evidence is not available. Victim profiling has not established any link between the cases.
All information relating to the separate investigations is systematically and vigorously pursued. Operation Trace has yielded new lines of inquiries which are being pursued in conjunction with the original investigation teams. Furthermore, a unique database has been devised which facilitates the cross referencing of detailed information.
I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that he has full confidence in Operation Trace and, as with all Garda operations, it is under continuous review to ensure that it remains effective. I also refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 348 to 350 of 20 February 2001.
