Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Fifty by the end of the second quarter, a further 75 by the third quarter and the final 75 in the fourth quarter. I understand from the HSE that the first candidates have been interviewed, and that by the end of June it expects to have recruited an additional 50 social workers. As recently as the last week in April, the HSE placed further recruitment advertisements in national newspapers. I am informed that the responses to these have been very positive. The HSE will continue to interview and appoint social workers.

The wildlife Bill will be taken later this year.

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