A national monument to missing people has been unveiled today by President McAleese.
The eight-feet-high lattice-style bronze sculpture - believed to be the first memorial of its kind - was built in Co Kilkenny by local artist Ann Mulrooney.
It commemorates a number of people from Ireland and overseas who have disappeared without trace from Irish locations in recent years.
The monument, set in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle, and featuring the handprints of family members of the missing, was commissioned by a trust established by Ms Mary Phelan, from Callan, Co Kilkenny, whose sister, Ms JoJo Dullard has not been seen since November 1995.
The project was also backed by the National Millennium Committee which donated €31,740.
Members of Ms Dullard's family and the relatives of other people missing from both sides of the border and from Britain and the US were in attendance.
Each year up to 2,000 people are reported missing to the Garda, and though most subsequently return to their homes, some are never seen again.
A spokesman for the National Millennium Committee said: "The monument is intended to be a permanent reminder to the public of these people who are missing - and as an important focal point and area of reflection for their families.
Ms Phelan said: "Our missing people are, by definition, missing, mostly presumed dead.
"We have no grave to visit at any time, but this will be forever a monument to their memory and in place of remembrance.
"This is the first monument of its kind to be erected anywhere to the memory of missing people."
Government Chief Whip Mr Seamus Brennan, who was in charge of Millennium celebrations, added: "The monument recognises in a sensitive and permanent way our missing people."
PA