Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I cannot provide the Deputy with a timeframe but I certainly want the hotline to be established. It has not been established up to now. Since taking office I have initiated discussions in respect of it. In that context, I have discussed the matter with one of the NGOs that might be interested in providing the service. It is estimated that it will take approximately €120,000 to set up and that a minimum of €80,000 will be required each year for its operation.

I understand the Deputy's concern with regard to unaccompanied children who went missing from various hostels in the past. Such children no longer stay in hostels. The Garda Síochána previously ran a similar telephone line but because few, if any, calls were received, this was discontinued. A number of issues arise with regard to the best use of resources. There is an obligation on us at EU level to put a telephone hotline of this nature in place. I want to ensure that we will provide it but there are issues regarding its use, publicising its existence and supporting it financially. I am pursuing the matter and I hope to be in a position to report progress on it at some point in the near future.

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