Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Jeyes and his colleagues here this morning. I recognise that a considerable body of work has been carried out since the establishment of Tusla. That is without question. We are all conscious of the restrictions on funding and resources and the impact that can have in terms of how much further the Tusla team would like to be at this point in time. We can only hope that funding stream will improve and that much of what is yet to be done can be advanced significantly in the coming year. I am still very concerned about the appointment of social workers in cases where a social worker is required.

In response to one of the questions I submitted for consideration at this meeting I have been advised that Tusla only has figures in regard to the social worker appointments. These show that a staggering 5,585 children are waiting more than a month for the appointment of a social worker. Within that number there are children classified as high risk; those awaiting child protection conferences, subject to child protection plan; court proceedings; children in care with non-approved carers; children in care less than six months in unstable placement; and young persons at high risk, including mental health and anti-social behaviour. Of these there are 1,087 waiting more than a month for the appointment of a social worker. It is a serious fact. I am not pointing a finger of failure or an accusatorial point at Tusla in regard to this.

I would like Mr. Jeyes to share with us his and Tusla's view as to how this can be properly addressed and how we can reach a situation where we do not have what I would regard as inordinate delays. There are 3,504 children, of varying degrees of need - high, medium and low - who are waiting more than three months. We do not know how far beyond three months many of those might be waiting; 606 of those are high. To my mind, certainly in the high risk category, that is absolutely unacceptable, even if the number was only six, never mind 606. There has to be a realisation on the part of those who control the purse strings, those who make the decisions in terms of the resourcing of Tusla, that there would be recruitment of the required complement of social workers in order that Tusla can carry out its work effectively and efficiently. I highlight those facts as advised to me in response to questions I posed in advance of today's meeting.

In regard to Mr. Jeyes' address to us at the start of the meeting, I note with some concern that despite ongoing discussions with the HSE regarding Tusla's legal responsibilities for a psychology service that no progress has been made. That is absolutely unacceptable. As an Oireachtas Member I use the opportunity to say to the HSE that it is wake-up time here as this is not acceptable. Tusla has a responsibility to have such a service in place. I find it incredible that at this point in time following the establishment of Tusla, there has not been a resourcing transfer in order for that to be carried out.

In regard to the revision of the national after-care policy, Mr. Jeyes mentioned preparing for new statutory provisions to allow for all eligible young people the statutory right of an after-care plan. I presume new statutory provisions will require new legislation. If that is the case will he so advise? What progress has been made in regard to the preparation for new statutory provisions? I am very anxious to know about that. I believe that all eligible young people should have a statutory right to an after-care plan.

I wish Mr. Jeyes well in moving on from his current position. I was surprised when the matter was first highlighted. I understand that today is closing date for applications to replace him. I had already said to colleagues before he came him that this is their moment and they need to make some fast moves if they wish to be considered.