Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the position regarding recruitment for a new panel of social workers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28072/11]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of her previous commitment to give approval to recruit an additional 60 social workers in 2011, the number of these posts that will be allocated to County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28073/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 174 together.

The Ryan Report Implementation Plan committed to the recruitment of an additional 270 social workers. 200 of these new posts were in place by the end of 2010 in addition to the backfilling of other vacancies which occurred. An additional 60 social workers are due to be recruited by the HSE in 2011. These posts are at various stages of recruitment. The HSE, in reviewing its overall approach to recruitment has prioritised some key development posts and is processing the recruitment of these staff with a view to their taking up employment before the end of the year.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the 60 additional social workers have all been prioritised and included in this category of staff to be recruited by year end. Social work recruitment is managed centrally by the HSE's National Recruitment Service in Manorhamilton with a single national panel. The assignment of successful candidates from this panel is a matter for HSE management. Accordingly the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy on the specific queries raised regarding social worker recruitment and allocation in the Kerry area.