Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I am anxious to get more information on the social work issue. Will the Minister explain how many extra social workers have been appointed this year? At what stage does he expect to have appointed the extra 270 social workers that were recommended in the Ryan report?

On the issue raised by Deputy Reilly and the specific matter of possible criminal investigations, what is the Minister of State's role, given his responsibility for children? Does he have a responsibility in regard to that element or is this purely a matter for the DPP and the Garda?

See this speech in context