Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2014
320. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the actions he will take to address the very serious concerns of an organisation (details supplied) regarding funding for its emergency phone line and fears that it will no longer be operational on a 24 hour basis. [48792/14]
View answerI am aware that the ISPCC has been experiencing difficulties with regard to the funding of Childline which is a dedicated 24 hour listening service for children. Officials from my Department and the Child and Family Agency met with representatives from the ISPCC on a couple of occasions very recently.
The purpose of these meetings was to clarify the nature and extent of the difficulties being faced by Childline. Arising from the meetings, the ISPCC has provided additional information which is being examined. Another meeting with the ISPCC is scheduled for tomorrow. I will be happy to keep the Deputy updated on this matter.
