Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date in implementing the European Commission's designated 116 123 number for persons in distress; if plans for its implementation are on track to enable the number to become operational by early 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37618/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The European Commission published a decision in February 2007 reserving the number range beginning "116" for harmonised services of social value. The concept of "same number – same service" envisages a specific socially important service accessible through the same 116 number regardless of which Member State the caller is in. The number 116123 has been designated for use for emotional support helplines.

The European Commission decision imposes obligations on the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as manager of the National Numbering Plan, to reserve the six-digit number range 116xyz, for harmonised services of social value and to advertise when a number is available for allocation and to invite applications from appropriate organisations to provide the service. The role of ComReg is limited to assignment of the number to an appropriate service provider. Once the number has been assigned, it is a matter for the service provider to provide the service. Furthermore, it should be noted that neither ComReg nor my Department has any policy remit in the provision of such services.

I am advised by ComReg that the number 116123 was assigned to the Samaritans in 2008 following consultation with the relevant Government Department, in this instance the Department of Health. I am further advised that the latest information available is that the Samaritans plan to make the 116123 number operational in early 2012. The Deputy may wish to note that the latest information on the status of all 116 numbers is available on ComReg's website at www.comreg.ie/116.