Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

Since March of this year, I am very pleased to say we have seen an increase in the number of children who have a social worker. The number is steadily going in the right direction. One can take any period of time and parse and analyse it but what we need to do is look at the overall situation. It is true that 2011 was a very difficult year for the HSE child and family services. It was faced with a €14 million cut in the Estimates for 2011 as a result of the last set of budgetary decisions taken by the Deputy's party when in office. As he will know, I got an increase of €21 million and one is beginning to see that come through in the increased allocation.

This is an important issue and it is extraordinary to think that as recently as 2009, some 17% of children in care did not have social worker. However, the number is going in the right direction with the vast majority - more than 90% - having a social worker. There is a legal obligation for children in care to have a social worker. We must ensure that figure increases as part of the overall reforms we need to implement, despite the pressures that exist. With the increased budgetary allocation and the recruitment of approximately 262 social workers that is under way, we are seeing more social workers in place. This is despite the recent changes and the numbers who retired in February last. That will all help.

There is a historic problem of the services not allocating a social worker. I agree with Deputy McConalogue with regard to the priority this area should be given and that we need to put child protection at the centre. All the reforms I am working on have as their goal the provision of a child protection service that delivers and truly protects children.

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