Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Flow and stability are key to the relationship with a family or young person at risk. Social workers tell me they are snowed under. They cannot talk to their clients and the clients cannot get to them. There is all sorts of confusion and we end up in a worse situation. When we talk about planning social services and these issues, we need a lot of common sense. There is no point in someone having high points or a degree from Trinity College Dublin if he or she cannot talk to or deal with a family from a very dysfunctional working class or poor background in a crisis. There are many quality people in communities. The educational system should provide some way for them to get into the social care services because some are doing it voluntarily and are delivering.

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