Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

Given the current financial situation resources is a key issue. Replacement of social workers is outside of the embargo. The director of child and family services has the authority to replace social workers within the resources available to him. These are greater than previously. There is a great deal of demand in this area although not so much in terms of out-of-hours services but in general. There are many pressures on the services given the financial situation. The Deputy will be aware that we have recruited an additional 262 social workers.

Retention of workers in the health service and in particular in the area of front line social work, which has been the subject of many studies nationally and internationally, is an ongoing challenge. However, issues can be acted upon to address this, including, for example, the provision of more support to front line social workers and more supervision. The new plan, which has been put in place by Mr. Gordon Jeyes, in regard to the amalgamation of child protection and family support services and ensuring families are referred to the appropriate services will, along with the new agency, help in the provision of better and more effective services.

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