Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 252: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if posts of social workers in child services are filled when staff are on long-term sick leave, maternity leave and so on; in view of the Roscommon child care report if she will outline the procedure employed to hand over this in such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40099/11]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 253: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social worker whole time equivalent in family and child services in the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011 in County Roscommon; the number of whole time equivalent retirements and recruitment in each year; the plan for whole time equivalent recruitment by year end and in 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40102/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 253 together.

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. The first 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.

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 the 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.