A NEW hotline for missing children was launched recently by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald.
The 116000 hotline was established to provide support and guidance to children and their families as part of an EU initiative.
It will be run by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) on a 24/7 basis with financial support from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the EU.
Minister Fitzgerald said she was delighted to officially launch the 116000 Hotline for Missing Children in Ireland.
“This service provides an important support for children missing from home and for their families,
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“I wish to commend the commitment and interest shown by the ISPCC in seeking to progress provision of this hotline.
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Under EU telecoms rules agreed in 2009, the 116000 number is reserved in all member states for a missing children hotline.
In 2011 Minister Fitzgerald established a project team that included representatives of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Department of Justice and Equality, ComReg and the gardai to oversee the establishment of the hotline.
Comreg then allocated the 116000 number to the ISPCC following an examination of the issues involved in conjunction with the project team.
Minister Fitzgerald added:
“We must acknowledge that for those children who are missing, even for just one day, there is a family member or significant other who is worried, frightened and distressed.
“Also, there is a child out there feeling scared and alone because they are either in danger or have left their home. The 116000 Hotline is now available as an extra resource to these families and children. It will help provide the emotional support and information needed during such a difficult time.
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