Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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27. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the up-to-date figure for children in care with an allocated social worker; the number in care who still do not have an allocated social worker and the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38763/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The HSE compiles monthly performance reports which include statistics in relation to children in care. These reports are published on the HSE website. The latest published report shows that there were 6,441 children in the care of the HSE in May 2013, of which 5,859 children had an allocated social worker, while 582 children did not have an allocated social worker. Unallocated cases are often cases where a child has just come into care and is awaiting allocation of a social worker or where a child is in a very stable fostering placement, provided perhaps, by a relative. Maternity leave, sick leave and movement of staff within the service can result in a case being unallocated for a short period of time.

Cases that are unallocated are closely monitored, supported and case managed by the duty social work team under the supervision of the principal social worker. Cases are subject to ongoing review and, where appropriate, the level and nature of the support being provided will change depending on the needs of the child.