Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

What is critical is that we ensure the 270 are in place and that they begin their work. I am in ongoing discussions with the director for children and family services in the HSE. The Deputy mentioned a particular area in Dublin north west, where there are some difficulties. As can be seen from the figures I have provided, a care plan is in place and a social worker is allocated for a high proportion of children in care.

It is important to recognise that progress has been made but there are areas that require a greater focus. It is not always about the allocation of extra social workers but can also be about practice and management or how work is broken down in a given area. Where there are gaps in the service, for example where foster parents have not been assessed or where a particular area does not have social workers allocated as one would expect, these are being examined. This week, I met the regional directors from the HSE and discussed these issues with them and outlined the need for consistency in this area throughout the country.

We will continue to assess whether there are enough social workers. My priority now is to ensure that the 270 are in place and that the work is done throughout the country on a consistent basis and that the guidelines for all frontline personnel are being followed in a consistent manner. That is how children will be protected.

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