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

I agree. I thank Mr. Donnelly for that.

The only other area I would like to touch upon is that given the nature of the role and the number of whole-time equivalent personnel who are not present and the ever-increasing difficulties in recruiting them, there has to be pressures from a practical perspective on recent graduates - trainees, so to speak - coming through the system. It has been referenced on a couple of occasions by previous witnesses before the committee. If the witnesses have examples it might provide information to the committee that we would consider but how would that impact on the longevity of a person coming into a role if they are swamped? We were given evidence, and Mr. Cantillon referenced it, regarding individuals driving all over the country to serve their client base - the children in question - and the difficulties that presents. The evidence provided to us was that they were not being paid an allowance for that. I believe the previous arrangement whereby the supervising social worker would reimburse them was frowned upon, discontinued or something like that. That presents a trainee with difficulties. Mr. Cantillon might like to touch upon those issues.