Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

The number of social workers has increased in each of the years 2009 to 2010, inclusive. The other point is that while obviously numbers are important, how one organises the services is equally important. There is a reform programme under way. I can give an example. Some of the social workers who previously worked in adoption, an area where there is a changing scenario, will be reallocated to work in areas where there is a higher priority.

The other point is that we managed to achieve an extra €19 million for the area of child welfare and protection. There was a reduction of €14 million in the previous year. Despite the difficult financial situation there has been an increase of €19 million for those services. In terms of the director having an opportunity to use those finances to reach out in an appropriate way, perhaps through family support services, this must be taken into account as well as the numbers. The numbers are important and they have increased. I will refer back to the Deputy with the precise figures. The number for those who have retired is down from 45 to 31 and there has also been the recruitment of an extra 25% in the child and family area. There are positive developments in this area, and it is important not to mislead the House by not pointing to some of the positive actions that have been taken.

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