Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

What additional resources will social workers need to provide the necessary support in the community in general?

My understanding is that the original A Vision for Change, which refers to a percentage of staff per size of population, is still in force, although there are different interpretations of that provision. We maintain that staffing levels up to the level provided for in A Vision for Change would be a good starting point, and while we all might have wish lists, it would be an adequate start. My understanding is that the staffing levels announced in respect of social workers is quite a bit lower than that figure. Social workers do much of the preventative work, particularly in the case of adults and many of the issues that have been discussed during this meeting, relating to self-care or people not looking after themselves. Social workers have a very valuable role to play on multidisciplinary teams. Overall, we suggest that the model in A Vision for Change, and the percentage of funding it recommends go towards mental health, is probably the best basis for recruitment.