Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Mitchell in respect of the question she has posed. I posed the same question to my officials in preparing the answer to the question of whether anything more can be done. I would take issue with one point. Tusla has engaged in a substantial recruitment and retention programme. In that context, although we are losing some we are gaining others. Our retention rate is higher than in other countries. I take issue with what the Deputy said in that regard.

The Deputy asked whether anything else is going on and this is the case. We are in discussions with Tusla on the development of a strategy for a workforce plan. We believe several issues need to be identified to assist in the further recruitment and retention processes. I expect to receive a fuller version of that plan within the coming months.

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