A distraught Co Kildare family whose son has been missing for almost seven months has called on the Government to urgently put support measures in place for the families of missing people.
"It's been a living nightmare; it's just been hell. There is nowhere to turn. We haven't received any counselling or support since Martin disappeared. Something has to be done," said Mary Doyle.
Her husband, Michael, claimed the Government has ignored the problem. "It's like the hidden tsunami. There are 3,000 missing people in Ireland. If you have an average of five people per family, that's 150,000 people that are affected. It's huge.
"We rang the missing person helpline. They said they would arrange someone to come out but we haven't heard anything, and now that's being cut."
Martin Doyle (20) was last seen on Monday, October 4th, 2004, in his native village of Suncroft. Garda helicopter searches, door-to-door inquiries and investigations have proved fruitless.
"It just goes on and on. It's so hard on everyone. With many families they can't cope, and it can lead to someone committing suicide or a marriage break-up, and it's very hard on the children," said Mr Doyle.
"It's a terrible thing; there is nothing, there is absolutely nothing you can do. It's something the Government would rather sweep under the carpet."
The Doyles believe a support group for families of missing people should be set up to allow them to come together and help each other.
"Only other families of missing people know what you are going through. They understand, and it might help to talk about it with each other," said Ms Doyle.
The couple are desperately trying to find out the whereabouts of their son. "Anybody with any information, anyone with a conscience, please tell us where he is," says Mr Doyle.
Martin is 5ft 7ins, of slim build and has dark hair. He was last seen wearing a navy tracksuit, runners and a baseball hat.
Anyone with any information as to his whereabouts should contact Kildare Garda station on 045 521222.