Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 451: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when the 60 social workers the Health Service Executive has pledged to appoint this year in order to strengthen child protection services will take up their posts. [31824/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Implementation Plan published on foot of the Ryan Report committed to the recruitment of an additional 270 social workers. The first 200 of these posts were filled last year. The HSE National Service Plan includes financial provision of €3.8m for the recruitment of a further 60 social workers this year. I have been assured by the HSE that it plans to have the 60 additional staff in place by the end of December.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers currently employed in County Louth; and the number employed in the county in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. [31825/11]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 453: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers with a specific child protection remit employed in County Louth; and the number employed in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. [31826/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 453 together.

As these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.