Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2011
243 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans, if any, to establish the EU wide 116000 telephone hotline for missing children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31811/11]
View answerThe allocation of specific numbers in the 116 number range, including the 116000 hotline for missing children, is managed in Ireland by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The role of ComReg is limited to the assignment of the number to an appropriate service provider. ComReg has alerted potential service providers, through an advertisement campaign, to the existence of the range of numbers beginning with 116, including the 116000 hotline for missing children. Suitable applicants have been invited to apply for the setting up of services of social value under the specified numbers. I am advised by ComReg that no organisation has yet applied for the missing children hotline number 116000. Once the number has been assigned, it is a matter for the service provider to provide the service. Neither ComReg nor my Department has any function in providing such services or the remit to require any organisation to provide the service. My colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has recently advised me of her intention to establish a small project team, comprising officials from her Department and the Department of Justice, Equality and Defence, to establish how best to make the 116000 service operational. While my Department has no policy function in relation to the provision of such a service, my officials and ComReg will be available to the project team should the project team need clarification on any relevant matter. In particular, ComReg would be happy to assist on any technical aspects in relation to the assignment of the number.
