Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

The HSE compiles a monthly census of employment in the public health and social care sector. The latest data available, which are in respect of April 2012, indicate there were 1,190 whole-time equivalent, WTE, child and family social workers employed in the HSE and in directly funded agencies.

The latest HSE records indicate there are 32 social workers on career break, with a WTE value of 26.54. The numbers of social workers in child services on long-term sick leave or secondment for three HSE regions are six in HSE Dublin mid-Leinster, one in HSE Dublin north east and eight in HSE west. I do not have information from HSE south but I have asked the HSE to furnish it. On receiving it, I will forward it to the Deputy.

The national director of children and family services, Mr. Gordon Jeyes, will continue to apply discretion to the filling of social work vacancies, taking account of recent early retirements and identified need, subject to services being delivered within available resources.

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