Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

Some of the comments made to me with regard to the problems in this area suggest that some problems are surmountable and should be examined. We need to examine, for example, how services are organised. There is, for instance, an ongoing industrial dispute in the old eastern health board region which contributes to some of the problems raised with regard to how social workers deal with implementing the guidelines. Counties Cavan and Wexford have some of the highest case loads, but they have fewer social workers than other counties to deal with the problems. It is often easy for us on the outside to look in and see the problems and ask how such things could happen. However, being a social worker is an incredibly stressful job. It is fraught with emotional problems and fraught with the problems of families and individuals who need help from the State, but who are not grateful to the State for getting involved in their lives. The job is fraught with the danger of litigation and violence and is not easy. For that reason, we need clear guidelines for all those working for the State in the area. They must know exactly what they are supposed to do in their job, but they must also get the sense from their line managers and people like the Minister of State that they stand behind them and give them their full support.

Every time a crisis happens in the case of a vulnerable family or child, there is a knee-jerk reaction that blames the social workers. However, we must look at the environment in which they work and the lack of supports. Some of the best case workers suffer from burn-out and they are dealt with by putting them in what are essentially backroom positions. Their experience is taken from the front line and more inexperienced staff are sent to do the work. There is a need to examine that issue.

I had hoped I would have more time, but I have made the essential points on this issue. The people concerned are very vulnerable and there are huge emotional difficulties involved in dealing with their cases. However, we must also consider those who are implementing the guidelines on our behalf and ensure they have our full support also.