Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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932. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to set out the number of social work posts currently filled by persons on temporary contracts. [12870/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Child & Family Agency that there are currently 31 social worker posts filled by persons on temporary contracts.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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933. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to set out the number of social work posts below which the Health Service Executive risk analysis would deem the service to be unsafe. [12869/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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A total of 1,459 social work posts transferred from the HSE to the Child & Family Agency. The complement transferring was determined following a detailed census and re-classification process undertaken in the HSE during 2013 through which social workers were formally assigned to particular care groups, including child and families services.

A rigorous system of risk analysis is in place to ensure that staffing numbers do not fall to an unsafe level as vacancies arise. These vacancies are approved for filling as a priority with an emphasis being placed on needs assessment, a range of demographic factors and the levels of risk involved.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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934. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to set out the number of social worker positions that are vacant in the Child and Family Agency; and the date on which these will be filled. [12871/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Staffing vacancies arise for various reasons, including retirements, resignations, career breaks and unpaid leave. In addition, gaps in service cover arise where staff are on paid leave. Vacancies are covered by temporary staff as required to ensure that staffing levels do not fall to an unsafe level. This is risk assessed by Area Managers.

I am advised by the Child and Family Agency, that since its establishment on 1 January 2014, 23 social workers have commenced employment. A further 13 are due to commence employment during March and April 2014 and discussions are ongoing with other candidates to agree starting dates for a further 35 posts.