Emer Costello calls for information campaign on EU '112' emergency number
Issued : Friday 10 February, 2012
Statement by Emer Costello MEP
Speaking on the eve of 'European 112 Day' (11 February), Dublin Labour MEP-designate Emer Costello has urged the Government to step up efforts to boost public awareness of the European-wide emergency number '112', as an EU survey issued today (link below) indicated that just 26% of Irish people are aware of the number.
Ms Costello said: "While there are dozens of emergency numbers across European countries, 112 is the only number that can be used to call an ambulance, the police, fire-brigade, police, coast-guard, etc) in an emergency in every EU country.
"This number exists alongside and does not replace national emergency numbers (such as '999' in Ireland). It operates 24 hours a day and can even be dialled from a mobile phone with no credit and no SIM card anywhere in Europe. Calls from English-speakers can be handled in English in at least 25 European countries.
"112 is a most-useful and in some cases a life-saving facility for people travelling in other European countries. Unfortunately most people in Ireland are just not aware of it. The survey released today indicates there is a recognition rate of just 26% in Ireland for this number. This is up 8 percentage points compared to the February 2011 survey but it still means that most Irish people are unaware of it. By contrast Poland has a 60% recognition rate.
"We need to reach the same level of public awareness for 112 as for '999'. I welcome the recent launch by the Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte TD of a pilot SMS service to improve access by people who are unable or have difficulty in communicating verbally with the emergency services using the 112 number. I would urge the Government to follow up this very worthwhile initiative by launching an targeted information campaign aimed at improving awareness of 112 as the number to use to call emergency services anywhere in the EU.
"Information should be made available near and at airports, ports and train stations, educational establishments such as schools and third level institutions, doctors surgeries and pharmacies, etc. 112 should be promoted online and on TV and radio and should be displayed prominently on all emergency vehicles. Promotional events marking '112 Day' could be held each year on February 11, particularly aimed at children and young people. The Irish authorities should also work closely in this regard with their counterparts in other European countries that have achieved higher levels of awareness of the 112.
