Vol. 502 No. 1
51 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the missing persons whose files are being examined by the Garda under the initiative announced in September 1998; the progress, if any, in the investigations to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7137/99]
As I have previously told the House, the TRACE group consists of an assistant commissioner, one superintendent, one inspector, two detective sergeants and two detective Garda and is based at Naas Garda Station. The group has been set up to specifically re-examine a number of the original investigations of missing persons cases. They have begun this task by initially reviewing the cases of Annie McCarrick, Jo Jo Dollard, Fiona Pender, Ciara Breen, Fiona Sinnott and Deirdre Jacob. I am informed that other cases which may be relevant, are also being reviewed.
The investigation files are being reviewed and collated by the unit, and a computer database has been established to facilitate the cross-referencing of items of relevance. None of the officers involved in this work are reviewing cases on which they have worked previously. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the operation by its very nature is methodical and painstaking but is progressing satisfactorily. I understand that the media interest generated by Operation TRACE, "Crimeline" and the television series "Solved and Unsolved" has resulted in new information being provided by the public. This information is currently being assessed and pursued.
