Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2013
505. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on whether services such as the Samaritans and other helplines which are not free should be made available free (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52730/13]
View answerThere are a number of Freephone helplines available for people in emotional distress such as Console, ILife, Childline, Rape Crisis Centre etc. In addition, a number of LoCall helplines are provided by organisations such as Samaritans, Aware, MABS etc.
Following on from a decision by the European Commission to designate 116 numbers to services of social value, the Commission decided to reserve a common telephone number for emotional helplines in all EU member states. In Ireland, Comreg was charged with responsibility for managing the assignment of the new 116 numbers and it assigned the 116 123 number to the Samaritans.
I am glad to be in a position to inform the House that the Samaritans, last year, entered into a partnership arrangement with six telecommunication providers (Eircom, Meteor, 02, Three, Vodafone and UPC) who committed to funding a vital 24 hour Freephone number. The Samaritans have now completed the technical upgrades required and in June this year commenced piloting the number to the general public in a controlled, geographic area targeting men in the 35-54 age group living in areas of economic deprivation. The Samaritans have met with local public representatives, representatives of religious groups and community workers and have developed a publicity campaign to support this important initiative.
It is expected that the new helpline number 116 123 will be rolled out nationally in March next year.
