Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I wish to make a number of points. A total of 262 extra social workers were recruited last year and the year before. It is, effectively, a 25% increase in the number of social workers dealing with child care, protection and welfare. If 25% more social workers were recruited in the child protection area prior to the retirements, it is important to acknowledge that. One can make the assumption, given the work rate of social workers, that even with the increased demand that clearly exists there is increased capacity to respond.

The Deputy says these people will not be replaced, but that is not correct. There is no moratorium on recruitment for social work positions. Gordon Jeyes has the authority to replace these positions as resources allow. Of course, the management of resources will be a key issue over the year given the various demands on the services. Where he sees the need to replace positions where vacancies occur, he has the authority to do that and to keep the teams at the right level to ensure the needs of the families presenting, and particularly the children who might be at risk, can be met and that those cases can be allocated.

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