McDowell considers funding for missing persons service and helpline

JUSTICE minister Michael McDowell is considering funding a missing person’s service which would include a revamped helpline.

The last annual garda figures show 5,997 people went missing in 2005. The majority of these were traced, but 78 people have never been found.

A submission to the Department of Justice by Missing in Ireland Support Service (MISS) proposes to run a support group for distraught family and friends as well as awareness campaigns and appeals. MISS said this could be done over three years initially costing about €600,000 a year.

A national missing helpline has been off the hook since March 2005.

“If you look at the situation in Britain, they get thousands of calls. Initially we are proposing a helpline as well as a drop in centre for worried relatives. There will also be education campaigns. People ring sometimes now and ask me ‘I haven’t heard from my son for a month, what should I do’,” chairperson Dermot Browne said.

Mr Browne uses his mobile phone for calls to MISS which he set up originally in 2003 following a 13-week search for his missing son, who was later found dead.

MISS’ proposals for a national service include:

* training volunteers for 60 hours and courses with a British helpline.

* operating the Irish helpline from 9am to 5pm daily.

* helping reunite families through international networks and contacts.

* providing a drop in service for clients.

* offering services to gardaí and social workers.

In Britain, the national missing persons helpline helped identify several of Fred West’s victims in 1996 who were not registered with police.

Mr McDowell is considering the proposed independent service. “The disappearance of any person is traumatic for their family and friends and for this reason I am anxious to assist them in any way I can.”