Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

To give some of the context, we all understand very well how HIQA operates. We know, for instance, what it does in tertiary hospitals in measuring bed spaces and processes within acute hospital settings. However, should it be so strident within social care settings in human contact between a social worker and the client and his or her family? As stated, I know that it is not possible to compromise in dealing with risk, but we need to give them a bit of a break and recognise that they find themselves under massive pressure. I do not think it is fair to state "nor can [Tusla] use this as an excuse for not providing an environment where social workers and social care workers can enjoy doing the core job they are qualified to do." Ms Dunnion can correct me if I am wrong, but social workers and social care workers might not be able to do the job they are qualified to do because they do not have the toolkit to do it and their caseload is getting heavier. Therefore, the risks also increase, which is not necessarily always the fault of the social worker. I am fearful that we could be putting the blame on the head of the social worker or the social care worker. That is my key point. I ask Ms Dunnion to dissuade me in holding that view.