Aideen Hayden (Labour)

I welcome the Minister and thank her for accepting the motion tabled by the Seanad. Obviously, there are a number of very significant caveats to the Minister's acceptance of the motion, to which I will return.

A number of Senators mentioned that this 116000 number initiative arose out of a 2007 EU initiative so it behoves us to mention that is almost five years ago. It is a national disgrace that Ireland has been so slow to act in this matter, in particular given that in 2007, funding was not the critical issue it is today.

This measure has been implemented in 16 European countries. Ireland is not alone in being slow to act. In other countries, disputes in government, telephone companies, NGOs, operators of the service and, in particular, funding have been considerations. However, it is important to note that on a number of occasions, the EU Commission has offered its services to countries which have not put in place the 116000 missing children helpline and has offered to share the experience of other countries which have been successful in putting the number together. It is important for us to acknowledge that in not actioning this missing child helpline number, we have failed not only our own people but in our obligations to others as well.

By its very nature, the problem of child abduction and child trafficking is one that spreads across borders. Ireland is not immune to this purely because it is an island. We have a Border with Northern Ireland. In my children's school in the Dún Laoghaire area, there were two attempted abductions. There are many reasons children go missing and there is no doubt that, irrespective of the numbers, which may be in dispute, it is a very significant matter.

I refer to some of the Minister's statistics. She mentioned the progress made in regard to unaccompanied minors in Ireland. I note that more than 513 unaccompanied children who came to Ireland seeking asylum without a parent or guardian, have gone missing from the care of the State since 2000. I accept what the Minister said in that these numbers have dropped significantly but the fact remains that 440 of those 513 children who disappeared from the care of the State between 2000 and 2010 have never been found.

The unfortunate truth is that child trafficking is the third largest international crime and child trafficking for sexual exploitation accounts for 79% of all trafficking. While we have made progress, we should not pat ourselves on the back with too much fervour.

I welcome the Minister's commitment but I am concerned about the caveats that surround it. She intends to establish a new project team but I would like a definite commitment on when this will be done. She further noted that the 116 number would be set up "subject to identifying the appropriate partnerships and funding". One of the reasons the number is not yet up and running has been precisely the failure to identify appropriate partnerships. There has been too much emphasis on identifying a suitable NGO to operate the service. As someone who comes from the NGO sector I believe there is too much expectation on the part of the State generally that NGOs will fulfil these functions, particularly when resources are an issue. In regard to the Garda Síochána number, which she mentioned on a number of occasions, why was the Garda not tasked with also setting up the 116 missing child helpline?

When the number is up and running, it will need to relate directly with the other 116 numbers, and particularly the childline number. If it is to be successful all arms of the State will need to communicate with each other. The role of educators is particularly important in this regard. It is critical that educators and children are made aware of the purpose of these numbers.

From a practical perspective, we need not only to investigate the finances of setting up the childline and missing child numbers but to ensure every school diary lists the numbers so that all children have ready access to them. I accept the Minister's bone fides in giving us her commitment but, being a lawyer, I recognise caveats when I hear them. Rather than phrases like "subject to", "under condition of" and "maybe 2012", this House would like to get a firm commitment.