Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

We want to ensure an assessment is done for every foster parent and want to see that children who are in care have an allocated social work. There has been significant progress and extra resources in the past year. We will assess on an ongoing basis whether the numbers being recruited are adequate. A considerable number has yet to be recruited and all of the funding required is in place. No doubt the Deputy will ask about this again. When the new social workers are recruited, I will be happy to report back to him and the Dáil the percentages of children with a social worker and a care plan in place. I expect to see further progress following on what we have seen in the past few months.

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