Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
476 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if progress has been made on the search for missing women in the Leinster area; the lessons which have been learned as a result of Operation Trace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8504/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that investigations into all unresolved missing persons cases remain active. In the cases referred to by the Deputy, these inquiries are being carried out by gardaí at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation in co-operation with gardaí from the Carlow-Kildare division.
As the Deputy is aware, Operation Trace was established in 1998 by the Garda Commissioner with the express purpose of examining these cases. I am informed that the operation involved a comprehensive review of the cases of the six missing women in Leinster and that it yielded a number of new lines of inquiry which were pursued in conjunction with the original investigation teams. However, I understand that while no substantial progress has been made in these cases, all information coming to light is actively pursued to a conclusion.
