Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Gloster for his presentation and the information we have received. I may have missed some of the meeting because I was in the Dáil Chamber so I apologise if I go back over issues that have been discussed.

I wish to talk about social workers and the demand on the system at the moment from various different areas of the Government agencies. Regarding the recruitment of workers in this area, what level of co-operation or connectivity has there been with third-level colleges on this issue? Is there a need for third-level colleges to expand the number of places in this area?

I have questions on colleges and the role of placement. I mean where students are assigned a placement as part of their three or four-year course. Has Tusla the capacity to take people in on placement? Has work been done on the issue?