Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have two questions, one of which is on the ratio of social workers to children.

It was stated a ratio of 1:50 was too high. The service is demand driven. If we are to ask for more social workers to be provided, we will have to be able to give a cost. If the delegates do not have an opinion or figures, that is fine. It is not a witch hunt; I am merely trying to educate myself. Is the ideal ratio 1:20 or 1:25 or is there an ideal ratio? Are the private companies finding it difficult to hire social workers? I understand they have their own. Are they finding that there is a shortage of social workers?