Government bows to pressure and intervenes to save Childline service

The Government has bowed to public pressure and intervened to save the ISPCC Childline 24-hour helpline for children in crisis.

After the Irish Examiner highlighted an appeal for much-needed funds, Children’s Minister James Reilly yesterday confirmed a two-year funding arrangement aimed at supporting the ISPCC to return to financial sustainability in respect of the Childline service.

ISPCC/Childline has agreed to work with the department in supporting developments in the area of child protection. This will include exploring the enhanced use of technologies to assist with the statutory roll out of Children First Bill.