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

I reiterate that a further 148 posts are at various stages of recruitment. Vacancies are, therefore, awaiting filling while the recruitment process proceeds. As I indicated in previous replies, it is difficult to recruit social workers in some areas for various reasons, just as it is difficult to recruit doctors in some areas. The bottom line is that 106 social work posts were filled by the Child and Family Agency in the first eight months of this year and a further 148 are at various stages of the recruitment process.

Deputy Troy asked about other initiatives in areas such as maternity leave. The Child and Family Agency is finalising proposals, at my request, arising from the provision of additional funding for the targeted recruitment of graduate social workers. This initiative will involve the introduction of a guaranteed and protected one year induction programme for newly qualified social workers. Discussions with IMPACT and other parties are ongoing and the merits of the scheme will be clear when the details are finalised.

See this speech in context