Steps to improve a searchable database that contains information about unidentified human remains have been launched to mark Missing Persons Day.
The annual commemorative event hosted by the Department of Justice is in its 12th year.
Justice minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris will join family and friends of people who remain missing at a ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin later on Wednesday.
Families from Northern Ireland have also been invited, reflecting the all-island nature of the event.
Earlier this week, President Michael D Higgins lit a candle at his residence, Aras an Uachtarain, to remember those who are missing.
Ms McEntee marked missing persons day with the announcement of the enhanced Unidentified Human Remains (UHR) database.
The database, which brings together information on unknown remains held by coroners across the country, was first launched by her department last year. It now contains information on 48 cases.
Ms McEntee outlined the enhancements that have now been introduced.
“My department published the first ever UHR database in May 2023 and has sought consistently since then to enhance the quality of information provided, as well as ensuring that the database is user friendly and simple to navigate,” she said.
“Earlier this year, visual records including facial images and visuals of items found with remains were included in the dataset, where provided by coroners.
“This latest development allows users to search the data by coroner district, year and gender, further facilitating the identification and location of missing persons and the possibility of closure for their loved ones.”
Commenting on the significance of missing persons day, Minister McEntee added: “(It) gives families and friends of missing people the opportunity to come together and commemorate their loved ones.
“It also highlights missing persons cases at a national level. By drawing focus to those who are missing, we might refresh someone’s memory or inspire them to come forward with information they may have.
“I want to urge anyone who may have information, however small they feel it may be, to come forward and share this with An Garda Siochana. Any piece of information could prove crucial in solving a missing persons case.
“I want to thank all of the contributors to today’s ceremony, and all those who have supported missing persons day since its inception. My special thanks goes to the families of missing people who are speaking at the ceremony this year.”
Minister of State in the Department of Justice James Browne stressed the importance of families who are still looking for loved ones drawing strength from one another.
“National Missing Persons Day is one of the most important days in the Department of Justice calendar,” he said.
“It is the day when those who are missing someone dear to them can come together, share their experience, and draw strength from each other.”
“I want to thank all of those who contribute to missing persons day and commit so much of their time to make it possible each year. I am especially grateful to the family members of missing people who courageously share their stories.”
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the event shone a light on those who are missing.
“It gives us pause to remember those who are lost, and whose absence is deeply felt by all those who love them,” he said.
“It is also a day where families can talk about their loved ones, and how dearly they are missed. In sharing these stories, we are reminded of who is missing and what they mean to their communities, families, and friends.
“This is why An Garda Siochana will do all it can to find out what happened and bring those who are missing home.”
Anyone with information about any missing person is urged to contact a Garda Station or by call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
