Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Having read this and other reports, we are aware that alcohol and drug abuse is one of the main factors in child care and welfare issues. Is the Minister happy that this report, which was finalised over 14 months ago, only came to her Department in May this year? Did the Minister receive notification of the report before May?

Given that her Department is hiring additional social workers, I take it that the Minister is no longer satisfied with the current staffing levels. She says that 80 new social workers are being employed with a further 90 coming on stream, but when will they come on stream? Will they be deployed to the relevant areas that are so badly in need of them?

What is being done to ensure that this area is being prioritised? It was clear that children were being neglected and nothing was being done about it. What immediate actions will the Minister take to ensure that in instances where the HSE is aware of neglect concerning child protection and welfare issues, but is not doing its job, a safety net will be put in place to protect children's welfare?

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