Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for her reply. We all know the importance of increasing the number of social workers to ensure some of the past weaknesses in the care system are addressed. Following on from the Ryan report, as the Minister pointed out, a commitment was made and additional funding provided to hire 260 additional social worker posts. In her reply, the Minister stated these positions were prioritised last week. Does that mean that up until last week these positions were not prioritised? How many positions remain to be filled out of the 60 for the remainder of the year? Was the public sector recruitment embargo applied to those positions up until last week? Was the Minister waiting for clearance from the Government before she could proceed with them?

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