Helpline for families and friends of missing people

FAMILIES and friends of the estimated 1,800 people who go missing here every year can now reach for the phone for help and support.

The National Missing Person’s Helpline, provided by Victim Support, was launched in Dublin yesterday by Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

Victim Support chief executive officer Lillian McGovern said the helpline should be seen as an initial step in establishing a full missing person’s service in line with other jurisdictions.