Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers in place on 1 January 2011; the latest figure for the number of social workers in place; if the number of social workers recommended in the Ryan report will be achieved by the end of the year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33603/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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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. The HSE National Service Plan includes financial provision for the recruitment of a further 60 social workers this year. I have been assured by the HSE that it plans to have these additional staff in place by the end of the year. My Department will continue to closely monitor the position with regard to the recruitment of the additional personnel. Provision for the recruitment of the balance of 10 social workers is being dealt with in the context of the current expenditure review process and the preparation of the HSE National Service Plan for 2012. The additional social workers to be recruited will be targeted at priority areas of the service having regard to an overall assessment of workload undertaken by the National Director and his team. The recruitment of the additional social workers is one element of a wider change agenda within the HSE, through which I believe we can deliver better outcomes for children and families. This reform agenda will lead to the establishment of a new Child and Family Support Agency which will provide a dedicated focus on child protection and support families in need. I am advised that the total number of social workers employed in the HSE (and funded agencies) at the end of 2010 was 2,432 WTEs.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers who have taken maternity leave this year; if these workers are being replaced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33604/11]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers who have retired leave this year; if these workers are being replaced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33605/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.

The Government is committed to fundamental reform and transformation of the delivery of our children and family services. A number of significant structural and legislative changes are key to effecting such reform. This includes the establishment of a new agency with dedicated responsibility for the delivery of child welfare and protection services, separate from the HSE. The employment control framework for the HSE provides that the grade of social worker is exempted from the public sector moratorium on recruitment and filling of vacancies.

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. The HSE National Service Plan includes financial provision for the recruitment of a further 60 social workers this year. I have been assured by the HSE that it plans to have these additional staff in place by the end of the year. The additional social workers will be targeted at priority areas of the service having regard to an overall assessment of workload undertaken by the National Director and his team. The recruitment of the additional social workers is one element of a wider change agenda within the HSE, through which I believe we can deliver better outcomes for children and families. This reform agenda will lead to the establishment of a new Child and Family Support Agency which will provide a dedicated focus on child protection and support families in need.

In relation to the specific manpower related matters raised, I have asked the Health Service Executive for the information in question which I will forward to the Deputy.