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

I would like to correct the record of the House and the Deputy's point of view. There has been no reduction in the number of social workers.

As of January 2015, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has advised that a total of 19,926 children were in receipt of a dedicated social work service. A further 7,787 children who would benefit from an allocated social worker were awaiting the service. Of the 7,787 cases awaiting allocation, 2,235 were identified as being in the high priority category. These cases represent a mix of new referrals who need further assessment, as well as children known to Tusla or in care who need a continuing social work service. It is important to note that "high priority" should not simply be equated with risk. For example, children in care for less than six months are in stable placements and included in this category. Tusla deals immediately with emergency cases, including, for instance, a child who has been abandoned or is in immediate physical danger or at immediate risk of sexual abuse. Social work duty teams keep high priority cases under review by regular checking to ascertain risk to the child and, where necessary, will re-prioritise the case.

There were 1,397 whole-time equivalent social workers employed by Tusla at the end of February and it is recruiting an additional 218.

Tusla risk-assesses the impact of vacancies on service provision on an ongoing basis so that social work team numbers do not fall below what is considered necessary to provide a safe service. These risk assessments take account of case loads and referral numbers. Where necessary, temporary staff are brought in immediately to cover vacancies.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

As part of Tusla's business planning process for 2015, I requested that an action plan be developed setting out the proposed measures to tackle the issue of unallocated cases. Tusla has commenced a national review of cases awaiting allocation this month to determine if additional social work posts may be required to meet existing demand. I look forward to the outcome of this review.

There has been a welcome downward trend in the number waiting to be allocated a social worker, including an almost 50% reduction of high priority cases awaiting allocation for less than three months in 2014. Tusla is also committed to producing a workforce development strategy by the end of quarter 2 this year. This development presents Tusla with a significant opportunity to continue to improve its service to vulnerable children and families. The plan will consider issues relating to recruitment, retention, skill mix and turnover. I look forward to receiving the action plan and strategy and I will support Tusla in their ongoing work to deliver a safe and quality service.

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