Averil Power (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister consider the requirement to avail of a social worker under the new model? The proposed model will be highly resource intensive, particularly given the difficulties being experienced in recruiting a sufficient number of social workers in the area of child protection as matters stand. Will the Minister consider changing the model? While a meeting with an appropriate professional such as a counsellor accredited by the relevant bodies is necessary, the professional need not be a social worker employed by the Child and Family Agency. As Barnardos noted in its submission, it also runs a service, yet there appears to be a presumption in the Bill that it would no longer do so because Tusla would provide the service. There are a number of other good independent services in operation. Perhaps a little more flexibility could be shown in this matter to ensure the model will work better.