Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

While Mr. Gordon Jeyes did give the reply indicated by the Minister - I was the questioner in that instance – he did not say additional social workers were not required. That was very clear. As with Mr. Jeyes, I accept it is not just a question of the further recruitment of social workers.

We are all supportive of greater efficiencies within the cohort currently engaged and within the systems in place. That is important. However, the Minister is not the person tasked with the recruitment of the additional number of social workers. How efficient is it that, in July 2012, she still refers to ongoing recruitment in respect of the 57 posts? It has been ongoing for how long and for how long into the future? It reaches a point at which it can no longer be an ongoing process. It needs to come to an end. The cohort of people identified and required should be in place and giving of their professional services.

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