Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Front-line services are struggling to deal with the heavy case loads. Resources are scarce. HIQA estimated that some social work teams are operating at 70% of their intended staffing levels and that was having a serious negative effect on the delivery of social services. The Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, recently pointed out that she had raised concerns about how continued resource shortages would affect the sector. She has reasons to have concerns as the Child and Family Agency has serious legacy debts and is likely to run more than €20 million over budget by the end of the year. Can the Minister make overtures to the Minister for Finance or obtain the necessary funding in the forthcoming budget? It is needed at an early stage.

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