Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Ceann Comhairle selecting this important Topical Issue matter for debate. The Minister will be aware that one of the national newspapers today highlighted the serious situation that Childline faces. Childline is the only 24 hour free-of charge listening service of its kind and because it is in such a precarious financial position, for the first time since 1998 the voices of the most vulnerable children will be silenced. There is a shortfall of €1 million and if that is not found before the end of the year, the service risks being closed, from 3 p.m. to 8 a.m.

This 24-hour service has been in place since 1998. It provides an invaluable and critical service to children who are in distress and who may be suffering from abuse, fear and isolation. The ISPCC estimates that 11% of the calls are received at night. Some of the most harrowing tails are received at night time. It is because of domestic arrangements that some of these calls can only be made at night. If this service ceases, 45,000 calls will go unanswered in 2015. These represent 45,000 children who are suffering from isolation, distress and perhaps abuse. A range of issues will go unanswered.

The Government pats itself on the back for initiating the children's referendum. That constitutional amendment, which the people voted for, ensured the rights of the child were enshrined in the Constitution, ensured the voice of the child must be heard and ensured that the best interests of the child is of paramount consideration. Childline is providing a service that the State is failing to provide. We have no out-of-hours social work. According to the ISPCC, up to October of this year, 74 cases have been referred on to the Garda and 38 cases have been referred to the Child and Family Agency.

The Taoiseach is on record pledging the protection of children as a national priority. He stated that children are the most precious possession of all and that safeguarding their integrity and innocence must be a national priority. Earlier this year, in March, the Minister's predecessor, the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, launched Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2014 - 2020, which states, "Our vision is for Ireland to be one of the best small countries in the world in which to grow up and raise a family, and where the rights of all children and young people are respected, protected and fulfilled; where their voices are heard and where they are supported to realise their maximum potential now and in the future".

Childline survives primarily on the generosity of the people. Unfortunately, because of scandals in CRC and Rehab, there has been a notable drop in contributions. The State only contributes 5%. I ask the Minister, in light of his overarching policy, Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, the key objective of which is providing a safe environment and protecting children from harm, and ensuring their voices are heard and supported, what funding he will ring-fence to ensure the protection, retention and expansion of this critical service, Childline.

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