diff --git a/core/org.eclipse.cdt.core/model/org/eclipse/cdt/internal/core/model/FunctionDeclaration.java b/core/org.eclipse.cdt.core/model/org/eclipse/cdt/internal/core/model/FunctionDeclaration.java
index 129b793f8c2..9b40d837e81 100644
--- a/core/org.eclipse.cdt.core/model/org/eclipse/cdt/internal/core/model/FunctionDeclaration.java
+++ b/core/org.eclipse.cdt.core/model/org/eclipse/cdt/internal/core/model/FunctionDeclaration.java
@@ -27,7 +27,10 @@ public class FunctionDeclaration extends SourceManipulation implements IFunction
 	}
 
 	public String getReturnType(){
-		return returnType;
+		if (returnType != null)
+			return returnType;
+		else
+			return "";
 	}
 
 	public void setReturnType(String type){