Check against delivery

I am especially privileged to join the Garda Commissioner and all of you present at Farmleigh today on what has appropriately become an annual commemoration, Ireland’s Missing Persons Day.

I want to extend a warm welcome to you all. When I look around this room I am so pleased to see all those who have travelled great distances again this year to participate in this important ceremony. It is also gratifying to be able to welcome those who have travelled from Northern Ireland, England and the Netherlands to be with us today.

In speaking with you this morning, it is my honour to be joined by the Boyle, Deely and Megraw families who will share some of their deeply personal experiences. I am grateful for your willingness to do so, for helping us to better understand your experience, and how we can learn from it.

Missing Persons Day and gatherings such as this ceremony are important for a number of reasons. On this Day we commemorate those who have gone missing and recognise the ongoing impact on their loved ones. This Day also offers opportunity to raise community awareness of open or unsolved missing persons’ cases and to highlight and provide information on the many support services which are available.

As most of you here know very well, it is very challenging to live with uncertainty. I understand from the perspective of families and friends that the ambiguity or ‘not knowing’ is the enduring difficulty.

Families and friends of a missing loved one often speak about the emotional impact of painful and damaging experiences. I have heard some speak of a range of feelings such as anger, fear, isolation and even guilt. It is, of course, important to recognise that these are reasonable responses to unreasonable and devastating situations.

I have also heard it powerfully described by families and friends that what is longed for each day is a renewed sense of hope. Hope for some information. Hope to be reunited with a loved one. Today, hope is what unites us.

When a loved one is missing the immediate primary focus can be on the Garda investigation during what is an intensely distressing time for their families and friends. Those initial shocking and painful hours can turn into days, months and, unfortunately, for some, years. I want to acknowledge and pay tribute to the vital ongoing work and role of An Garda Síochána in these deeply devastating circumstances. We are all agreed that the continuing Garda investigation, information, advice and support are, of course, crucial. I am especially pleased to see so many Garda Family Liaison Officers supporting families here today.

The sad fact is that few communities in Ireland have been spared the sorrow and bewilderment that is felt when a person goes missing. I need not remind you that embedded in Irish culture is a strong sense of community. Through our actions we support each other in difficult times. I have the greatest respect for the ongoing vital contribution made by the dedicated women and men in our State and voluntary land and sea search and rescue organisations. I wish to commend their expertise and energy.

It is also important to acknowledge organisations such as Missing in Ireland Support Services and the wide range of advisory and counselling services that provide tremendous support when a loved one has disappeared or has been located. The motivation to provide support, care and understanding to those in distress cannot be overvalued in such difficult circumstances. The generosity and encouragement of all of you helps pave the way for a future where meaning and hope can be restored.

As Minister for Justice, in looking to the future, I know that many of you will also welcome the current Garda review of Missing Person Protocols which is underway in conjunction with representative groups and families. Such focus is important, by taking into account the perspectives and level of commitment from all those concerned we can continue to make the right policy choices and provide appropriate levels of support.

May I say, once again, how deeply honoured I am to be among you today. May I also wish you and your families a peaceful Christmas and New Year. I will leave you with the voice of Emily Dickinson:

‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers –

That perches in the soul –

And sings the tune without the words –

And never stops – at all –

　

ENDS