Independent MEP Marian Harkin voiced her welcoming of the imminent arrival to Ireland of a dedicated, EU-wide 24/7 missing children's hotline, and called on all relevant national and local authorities to "spread public awareness of this important service".
The hotline, which currently operates in 22 EU Member States on freephone 116000, is currently available daily in Ireland and its 24 hour service will be officially launched on June 5.
Commenting on the new service, Harkin said: "The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has been granted the licence to operate the Hotline, which is designed to provide social and emotional support for children and families when a child goes missing.
“However, widespread public awareness of this service will be a key determinant in its success, and to that end I expect the Department of Children and Youth Affairs as well as all relevant stakeholders to do their utmost to promote the hotline."
