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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Missing Persons Helpline.

Bernard Allen

Question:

605 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made since he announced a financial allocation for a missing persons helpline; the voluntary organisations he is in discussion with regarding the development of the helpline; and the amount of money available for such a facility. [8883/02]

As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced the provision of €65,000 to establish a dedicated national missing persons helpline, which will be operated by Victim Support.

Victim Support, in conjunction with the Garda, the ISPCC and other relevant parties, is currently in the process of drawing up clear guidelines for the operation of the helpline. Essentially the helpline will be a counselling and referral service and act primarily as a point of contact and support for families of missing persons, It should be noted that the service will not be an investigative one which remains under the remit of the Garda.

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