‘116’ Numbers

Numbers beginning with ‘116’ has been reserved in national numbering plans for “Harmonised Services of Social Value”. Such services will be available in several EU countries but not necessarily all.  More detailed information is available in ComReg 07/47 or from the European Commission’s amended decision to reserve these 6-digit numbers throughout the Community.

The European Commission is responsible for maintaining the Decision’s  Annex of numbers in the 116 range which have been reserved for particular Harmonised Services of Social Value.

The current list of 116 numbers reserved by the EU Commission, including for each  an indication of whether an Irish service provider currently offers it, is as follows:

 

116 Numbers
Number Service for which this number is reserved Specific conditions attached to the right of use for this number        Reserved by ComReg? Application received? Assigned? In Service?
116000

Hotlines for missing children

This service (a) takes calls reporting missing children and passes them on to the Police; (b) offers guidance to and supports the persons responsible for the missing child; (c) supports the investigation.

Service continuously available (i.e. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nation-wide).

Yes –

Feb 2007

 

Yes –

Jan 2012

 

Yes –

ISPCC
Jan 2012

Yes- June 2013
116006

Helpline for victims of crime  

The service enables victims of crime to get emotional support in such circumstances, to be informed about their rights and about ways to claim their rights, and to be referred to the relevant organisations. In particular, it provides information about (a) local police and criminal justice proceedings; (b) possibilities of compensation and insurance matters. It also provides support in finding other sources of help relevant to the victims of crime.

Where the service is not continuously available (i.e. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nation-wide), the service provider must ensure that information about availability is made publicly available in an easily accessible form, and that, during periods of unavailability, callers to the service are advised when the service will next become available. Yes – Nov 2009 Yes – May 2010 Yes – Crime Victims Helpline – June 2010 Yes – Oct 2010

 

116111

Child helplines

The service helps children in need of care and protection and links them to services and resources; it provides children with an opportunity to express their concerns, talk about issues directly affecting them and contact someone in an emergency situation.
Where the service is not continuously available (i.e. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nation-wide), the service provider must ensure that information about availability is made publicly available in an easily accessible form, and that, during periods of unavailability, callers to the service are advised when the service will next become available.  Yes – Oct 2007  Yes – Feb 2008 Yes – ISPCC – June 2008 Yes – Mar 2009
116117

Non-emergency medical on-call service

The service directs callers to the medical assistance appropriate to their needs, which are urgent but non-life-threatening, especially, but not exclusively, outside normal office hours, over the weekend and on public holidays. It connects the caller to a skilled and supported call-handler, or connects the caller directly to a qualified medical practitioner or clinician.

Where the service is not continuously available (i.e. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nation-wide), the service provider must ensure that information about availability is made publicly available in an easily accessible form, and that, during periods of unavailability, callers to the service are advised when the service will next become available.  Yes – November 2009  No  No  No
116123 Emotional support helplines
The service enables the caller to benefit from a genuine human relationship based on non judgmental listening. It offers emotional support to callers suffering from loneliness, in a state of psychological crisis, or contemplating suicide.
Where the service is not continuously available (i.e. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nation-wide), the service provider must ensure that information about availability is made publicly available in an easily accessible form, and that, during periods of unavailability, callers to the service are advised when the service will next become available.  Yes – Oct 2007  Yes – Nov 2007 Yes – Samaritans – Jan 2008 Yes- March 2014