Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

There is more than anecdotal evidence that social workers across the child care area are hugely challenged by the volume of cases and information presenting. This is something we must recognise, not only in terms of the current situation but in terms of the situation likely to present following the enactment of various legislation to which the Minister and the Government are committed, which will require human resourcing in order to address the issues properly. Has the Minister had the opportunity to address her concerns with regard to the need evidenced on the ground with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin? Has she taken the opportunity to engage with him and to outline the importance of addressing this issue?

The Minister mentioned that a small number, in terms of the number of social workers and employees across the HSE-run residential care homes, are due to leave. She is not able to give me the precise information today but has promised to forward it in the future. Why is the HSE unable to give us that information at this time? The Minister was able to tell us that 45 social workers are to go from children and family services, 3.7% of the number of social workers, and I presume these are these are from outside of the residential setting. Why is the information on the residential setting not available to us? The numbers the Minister has flagged in her response are not a response to the exodus by retirees. Has she a contingency plan in place in her Department to address this further exodus of workers before the end of this month?

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