Seamus Lawless went missing on Mount Everest on Thursday.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney has confirmed that the government will provide whatever assistance possible as the search for Seamus Lawless continues.
Lawless, who hails from Bray, County Wicklow, was fulfilling a life-long dream of reaching the summit of Mount Everest, which stands at 8,848 metres, before he reached his 40th birthday in July.
Lawless was also embarking on the climb in order to raise funds for children’s charity Barretstown.
The assistant professor from Trinity College had successfully reached the summit on Thursday along with several others in his group.
He subsequently fell while descending the mountain and has been missing ever since.
The GPS worn by Mr Lawless was found almost 500 metres from where he fell, and experts say it is possible that the device became detached.
His family wish to raise €750,000 to gather a team of experts to help find him, and have launched an official fundraiser to help.
As of Sunday evening (19 May), the fundraising appeal stands at over €220,000.
Speaking on This Week on RTÉ Radio 1 on Sunday, the Tánaiste noted that the government will “offer any support we can” in the ongoing search.
“I’ve spoken to Pamela, his wife, on a number of occasions, actually, over the last 24 hours,” Coveney began.
“She is a remarkable woman, and she’s going through a nightmare that many of us simply can’t imagine.
“I’d rather leave the conversations I’ve had with her private, if that’s okay.
“We are willing to offer any support we can, either financial or organisational. She knows that.”
The GoFundMe page may be accessed here.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
