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.

The children’s charity has also agreed to provide ongoing information to the departments of Children and Health regarding “hidden harm” issues as reported to Childline.

Although the department has declined to disclose the funding amount the service will receive, Dr Reilly said it would allow the “vital” service to continue to operate for another two years.

“The role played by Childline is a vital one as part of a wider architecture around supporting children and young people.

“Childline has considerable experience in being the ‘listening ear’ to concerns of children and young people... I believe it is right that the State protects that service and respects its independence,” he said.

ISPCC chairman Dan Flinter thanked the Government for intervening to save the service, which has operated without State funding for the 26 years of its existence.

“Childline owes its existence for the past 26 years to the Irish public. Today’s announcement follows the generous response of the Irish public to the emergency appeal which to date has raised €400,000 in donations,” he said.

The funding deal comes just over a week after Childline’s dilemma was highlighted by RTÉ broadcaster Ryan Tubridy, who called on Taoiseach Enda Kenny to “man up” and help the charity make up the shortfall.

Mr Tubridy is an ISPCC ambassador.