Finian McGrath
Ceist:523 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding the 116000 number (details supplied). [13761/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 13 March 2012
Ceisteanna (468, 469)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:525 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date on which the first meeting of the joint project team took place on the 116000 missing children’s hotline; the reason for the delay in implementing the hotline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13928/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 523 and 525 together.
Under EU telecoms rules agreed in 2009, the 116000 numbers are reserved in all EU member states for certain services that have a social value by using the same recognisable numbers in all member states. Article 27A of the Universal Service Directive makes provision in relation to all 116 numbers. Articles 27A (4) and (5) specifically refer to the 116000 service regarding a hotline for missing children. These provisions were not transposed in the Universal Service Regulations as they are deemed to be transposed administratively. My Department established and is leading 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 project team first meet on 11th January 2012.
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 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.