116 harmonised number range
"116" number range
EU harmonised numbers for harmonised services of social value
The European Commission published a Commission Decision dated the 15th February 2007 entitled ”Reserving the national numbering range beginning with “116” for harmonised numbers for harmonised services of social value”.
The European Commission published in July 2009 a factsheet regarding this 116 numbering range.
The allocation of specific numbers in the 116 number range in Ireland is managed by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) who published an information notice (July 2007) and advertised (November 2007) the existence of the number range and invited suitable applicants to apply for the setting up of services. ComReg have further information on the 116 number range for harmonised services of social value on their website www.comreg.ie/116.
Childline commenced a service using the telephone number 116111 in April 2009 and the number 116123 has been allocated to the Samaritans. The helpline for victims of crime 116006 has also been allocated. It is open to other organisations to apply (using the application form ComReg03/08) to ComReg for the allocation of other "reserved numbers" from the numbering range list.
The operation and funding of organisations that provide health and social wellbeing services is not within the remit of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.