Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

That is a management decision locally. It relates to how to best use the resources that are there. I agree that community social worker and social workers in primary care are very important as well. At a time of huge demands in the child protection area, it is clear that we have to make decisions. Local managers are making decisions about the best use of the social workers who are in place.

I would like to make a point about the implementation of Children First. The guidelines have been in place for ten years. People are respecting them. By the end of December 2011, some 94% of social workers had been involved in discussions and training about the new Children First guidelines. The HSE is coping with the referrals that are being made, albeit in a very difficult environment of increased pressures. Clearly, I would like more resources to be devoted to this area. I am pleased to have managed to get the kind of increase I have secured. Unquestionably, many demands are being made on the services at present. These guidelines have been in place for some time. People have been working towards them for ten years. I do not doubt that those who are concerned about a child who needs care and protection, or who genuinely and in good faith feel that a child could be sexually or physically abused or neglected, are making referrals at the moment. It is about managing the resources that are available as best we can. As the economic situation improves, we will have to ensure more resources are devoted to this area. In the meantime, we have to reform the services as well.

See this speech in context