Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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480. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs following the Health Information and Quality Authorithy Report on Social Work staffing Levels, her plans to address this problem; her views on the fact that there are not enough professionally trained and registered social workers to respond to the growing number of abuse and wilful neglect cases that are reported to the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28902/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I believe that the report the Deputy refers to is the report of the HIQA inspection of the Fostering Service in Dublin South/Dun Laoghaire LHA in the Dublin South/East Wicklow Integrated Service Area, published recently. HIQA undertakes inspection of foster care services against the National Standards for Foster Care, under Section 69 of the Child Care Act 1991. The purpose of foster care inspections is to review compliance with regulations and standards for all children. HIQA's inspection methodology includes interviewing HSE managers and social workers, a sample of children, carers and birth parents and review a range of files, including complaints.

This announced inspection was carried out on dates between the 15^th and 25^th October 2012. This is the first inspection of this particular service and the findings highlighted areas of good practice as well as areas where improvements are required.

Arising from the recommendations contained in this report, the HSE has drawn up an Action Plan for implementation by end of 2013.

Social Work numbers

Figures supplied by the HSE, from its April 2013 census of employment in the public health and social care sector, indicate that the number of whole-time equivalent Social Workers is 1,399.

According to the HSE there are 36 professionally qualified social workers vacancies currently being filled and a further 114 social work posts including social work team leaders, principals etc are being processed.

Future Plans

The Government has approved the Heads of the Child and Family Agency Bill and has also agreed to the priority drafting of this Bill. The necessary legislative and organisational preparations are being prioritised so that the Agency can be established as soon as possible. The Agency, upon establishment, will assume full statutory responsibility for a range of child and family services currently provided by three separate agencies; namely the HSE, the Family Support Agency and the National Educational Welfare Board.