Missing person — An Garda Síochána · Ireland

Direct answer

No. The 24-hour rule is a myth in every EU country: report to An Garda Síochána (garda.ie) as soon as you are worried, especially for a child, an elderly person, someone ill or someone in crisis. Bring a recent photo, a description of clothes, the phone number and any recent messages. Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006 (116 006) is the missing-persons line for Ireland — it supports families, coordinates appeals and works with the police. Childline (ISPCC) — 1800 66 66 66 (1800 66 66 66) is there for the family in the days after.

Call firstAn Garda Síochána

Report toCrime Victims Helpline — 116 006

If that failsChildline (ISPCC) — 1800 66 66 66

🗣️ What to say

"I want to report [name], [age], missing since [date, time]. Last seen at [place] wearing [clothes]. [Medical condition / vulnerability / recent crisis.] Phone [number], last contact [when]. Photo attached. I am worried because [reason]."

🪜 Step by step

Report now: An Garda SíochánaPhone or in person; for a child or a vulnerable person, the emergency number. Give the "worry factors" — they set the priority.
Check the obvious in parallelFriends, hospitals, the last known place. Keep a list of who you have called.
Phone and accountsLast location from shared apps, last message, recent transactions — ask the police what they can request.
Missing-persons line: Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006They help with public appeals and keep contact with the police for the family.
A child abroadThe EU number 116 000 connects to the child-hotline in every member state.

📇 All contacts

An Garda SíochánaReport at any station or via the Garda websiteAlways — you need the PULSE reference for the bank🔗 www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud

Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006Free victim support, information on the process, compensation tribunalAfter any crime📞 116 006 🔗 crimevictimshelpline.ie

Childline (ISPCC) — 1800 66 66 66Helpline for children and young people, 24/7For children and teenagers📞 1800 66 66 66 🔗 www.childline.ie

Tusla — Child and Family AgencyReport a concern about a child, 24/7 via Gardaí out of hoursAs soon as a child worries you📞 01 771 8500 🔗 www.tusla.ie/children-first

❓ Frequently asked

They are an adult and left voluntarily

Adults may go missing by choice; the police check they are safe and, if they wish, tell you only that. A vulnerability or a crisis changes the response — say it.

Can I post an appeal on social media?

Coordinate with the police and Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006 first; a badly timed appeal can cause harm or be impossible to take down later.

What happens when they are found?

The police inform you, with the person's consent for an adult. Support for the family and the person continues through Childline (ISPCC) — 1800 66 66 66.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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