Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)

This is the second time I have asked for these figures. We now know that as of 31 September 2011 there are 2,429 social workers in place. In order to know whether the four people recruited are part of that 2,429, we need first to know the figure as of 1 January. Despite this being the second occasion on which I have asked this question of the Minister, I still cannot get the information from her.

I have been told during discussions on this issue with social workers around the country that contracts offered are not being processed and that vacancies as a result of maternity leave and people retiring are not being filled. That is the reality on the ground. It is not good enough for the Minister to come in here and tell us she has been assured by the HSE that four posts have been filled when different reports are being given by the HSE to the media and so on.

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