Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to Deputy Neville, Mr. Smyth referred to the approximately 500 agency staff employed by the agency and its total staff complement nationwide. He also stated that Tusla has the capacity to hire an additional 400 staff. If Tusla has that capacity, has it considered providing - or does it provide - additional supports by way of administrative staff to assist people, especially social care workers, in doing their work?

How many does Tusla have in that area? How many does it plan to hire? Of the 400 that were mentioned, could we have a breakdown of the individual roles included, or is it just all social care workers? That can be provided in writing if the witnesses wish. Has Tusla considered apprenticeships? Is that something Tusla is doing?