diff --git a/core/org.eclipse.cdt.core/model/org/eclipse/cdt/internal/core/model/Parent.java b/core/org.eclipse.cdt.core/model/org/eclipse/cdt/internal/core/model/Parent.java
index db6364e909b..c6a5d77dab1 100644
--- a/core/org.eclipse.cdt.core/model/org/eclipse/cdt/internal/core/model/Parent.java
+++ b/core/org.eclipse.cdt.core/model/org/eclipse/cdt/internal/core/model/Parent.java
@@ -54,8 +54,7 @@ public abstract class Parent extends CElement {
 		CElementInfo info = getElementInfo();
 		if (info != null)
 			return info.getChildren();
-		else 
-			return new ICElement[]{};
+		return NO_ELEMENTS;
 	}
 
 	/**