Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes. Today is National Missing Persons Day and an event hosted by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, is being held at Farmleigh House with some of the affected families. Every year in this country, 9,000 people go missing but, thankfully, most are reunited with their loved ones. It is estimated that approximately 50 to 80 people remain missing and I can only imagine the heartbreak this causes for families. On the radio this morning I heard a young gentleman from County Mayo outline how his sister went missing over 15 or 16 years ago and how his heartbroken mother and father passed away not knowing where their daughter was or what happened to her. He outlined the trauma and heartbreak that family went through. It would bring tears from a stone to hear him talking about that. We can only imagine the pain and trauma felt by that family, along with all the rest of the families where loved ones remain missing. I appeal this morning to anybody who has information that might bring the nightmare to an end for such families to come forward in order that they can finally have closure.

There is a national missing persons helpline, of which the Leader is probably aware. It is estimated it takes approximately €35,000 per annum to fund this helpline. Unfortunately, donations are falling, and the State makes a contribution of €5,000 per annum to the helpline. I ask the Leader to ask the relevant Minister if the State could consider increasing its contribution to this very worthwhile cause.