Mr. Fred McBride:

With regard to the Laois-Offaly area there was a significant backlog of cases that were reported to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and to the Minister. We were not entirely sure of the status of that backlog regarding priority and levels of risk associated with the cases. Using a rapid improvement methodology a team blitzed the backlog in a short period of time. It made decisions on which cases required allocation for ongoing, longer-term work, which cases could be closed off as they did not meet the thresholds for referral, and which cases required further assessment beyond initial screening. I have since reported to the Minister that the backlog is now dealt with.

All of the cases from the backlog that required allocation have been allocated. Cases that required further assessment beyond initial screening have been allocated to a social worker. There were just over 100 cases of retrospective allegations regarding adults. We have dedicated a specific management and social work capacity to look at these cases. These cases take a bit longer because historical information is inevitably more complex. However, that backlog is also being worked through. I took personal responsibility for the oversight of that process in the midlands and the area is now being returned to normal management arrangements with a new management team in place, a new area manager and a new service director.