Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 25 May 2011 is International Children's Day; her plans to promote the EU missing children's hotline number 116000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44758/10]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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International Children's Days are celebrated at various times by various bodies. The UN for example, generally designates the 20th of November as that day so it coincides with the annual anniversary of the UNCRC. I am not aware of any initiative at UN level to name the 25th of May next year as International Children's Day.

The issue of children who go missing is primarily a matter for the Garda Síochána. A hotline for missing children is in operation in some EU Member States. My Office is currently involved in discussions with other relevant Government Departments in relation to the establishment of this service. I will keep the Deputy informed of developments in this regard.