Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that the shortage of social workers is leaving children in a vulnerable position and placing them at risk. Social workers on the front line inform me that they are at their wits' end and do not see any light at the end of the tunnel. They have spoken of leaving their offices on Friday evenings with bundles of case files. Their role has become one of fighting fires rather than taking preventative measures, which is what they should be doing.

The Minister referred to the number of social workers on maternity leave. What is the total number of social workers employed by the Child and Family Agency? Has the agency reached the full complement of social workers promised when it was established?

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