Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 489: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to restore the national missing persons helpline; if he has received a submission from the missing in Ireland support service; if the necessary funding is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31653/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The national missing persons helpline was established in October, 2002. It was operated by Victim Support and supported by the Garda Síochána. Funding of €110,000 was provided to the helpline by my Department in respect of the years 2002-2004. In addition, my Department also provided funding for the Victim Support organisation.

Following a review of existing support provisions, I established the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime in March 2005. The commission's remit is to devise an appropriate framework support for victims of crime into the future and disburse funding for victim support and assistance measures. Victim Support and its associated services ceased to operate from 31 March, 2005.

I am advised that in response to a public advertisement earlier this year the commission has received over 60 applications for funding for measures to support victims of crime. The commission examines each application on its merits and makes an independent decision in relation to eligibility for funding. One of these applications was from the missing persons helpline. I have been informed that the commission made an offer of funding to the helpline and that this offer was refused.