James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has raised the issue of the number of children who are waiting for further social work intervention. They have been categorised into different groups of low priority and high priority. There is no question or doubt that the agency is under pressure. However, we are employing more social workers. Over 100 social workers have been recruited and another 90 are in process. I share the Deputy's concern around the needs of children in this area but I would point out that major advances and progress have been made. This is an area that the Government has taken very seriously. It is the first Government to have a specific Department and Minister for children and a child and family agency with a very clearly defined role relating to the well-being of children.

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