A pilot helpline offering information and support to families of the 1,800 people who go missing in the State annually was launched by Victim Support in Dublin today.
The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, said the Government sees victims as central to the formation of crime policy. "For too long the crime victim was marginalised and treated as a mere spectator to the criminal justice process," said.
He admitted Ireland lags behind other countries in terms of services like this. "We are learning. It is strange that we haven't got to this before. But here we are now that's a very positive step".
He said the helpline will provide invaluable advice and psychological support for families of missing persons. The lo-call number will be staffed from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The vast majority of those missing are found. In 2000, 1,800 people went missing and by the end of the year all but 22 had been found with half of those found since then.
According to research in the Britain, those most likely to be reported missing are girls aged 13 to 17 and men aged 24 to 30 years of age.
Ms Lillian McGovern, cheif executive of Victim Support, said the missing person's helpline should be seen as an initial step in the establishment of a full Missing Persons' service.
The helpline can be contacted at 1850-442552.
On a separate issue, Mr McDowell, said he was still examining all the legal and factual issues relating to a possible inquiry in to alleged clerical child sexual abuse.
