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

I take the points raised by Senator Boyhan, particularly those on the number of children waiting for the allocation of dedicated social workers. Nobody will argue against that but let us also look at the current situation and what is happening. At the end of March 2017, Tusla had 1,486 whole-time equivalent social workers and it is at 42% of its 2017 recruitment target of 62 additional social workers. Senator Boyhan asked if we had not learned. We have to learn from life's experience and we have to learn that leaving these children in this situation is not acceptable. We sat down and thought about it and came up with a business plan. Tusla's 2017 business plan has identified a target of 369 additional staff which will include 62 social workers and 157 social care workers. I want to use this opportunity to commend the staff I have dealt with a lot recently, namely, the social care workers in the services. I commend the great work they do. In addition, 103 family support workers and 35 clerical administration staff will be recruited. That business plan is there and we are trying to implement it.Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, will be given a budget of €713 million, an increase of €37 million. We have a problem with getting social workers and other staff, and that is something we have to deal with. With an increase of €37 million, it is not a question of money; it is a question of getting the staff.