Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 354: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the details of the gender awareness training that social workers undergo at practitioner level; the person who provides this training; the extent to which is a part of continuing professional development social worker training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30395/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My Department has no direct role in the recruitment and employment of health service grades, including social workers, as that function is carried out by the Health Service Executive. I have been informed by the HSE that all new social work appointees are invited to attend the Corporate Induction programme; the module on Equality & Diversity addresses, among other issues, discrimination on gender grounds. As part of their training student social workers cover issues on gender awareness in a module on Discriminatory Practice and this issue is further reinforced during their clinical placements.

The Professional Education Department, HR Directorate of the HSE facilitates the continuing professional development (CPD) of social workers as far as is possible. It is a matter for the individual in consultation with their manager to determine the CPD activity which will enable them to develop professionally and in line with their professional development goals. In 2008 funding was provided to support the development of an electronic CPD recording system for social workers across the Health Services. Personal Development Planning and Team Based Performance Management are just some of the mechanisms which are in place for social workers and all staff to assist them in determining their development needs.