Finian McGrath
Question:607 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will review a matter (details supplied) regarding the helpline. [8048/12]
View answerTuesday, 14 February 2012
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Written answers
Under EU telecoms rules agreed in 2009, the 116000 number is reserved in all EU member states for a missing children hotline. My Department established and led a cross-sectoral Project Team, including representatives of my own Department, the Department of Justice and Equality, ComReg and An Garda Síochána to advance this matter.
The position is that ComReg, who have responsibility for allocation of this number in Ireland, received an application to operate the Hotline from the ISPCC. Following cross-departmental consultation and an examination of the issues involved by the Project team, ComReg has now allocated the number to the ISPCC.
In the coming months the Project Team will now work to ensure that the Hotline becomes operational as soon as possible and operates in a way that supports and augments existing arrangements to secure child protection.