Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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323. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social work posts within Tusla that are vacant; if he will provide a breakdown on a county basis of the numbers employed and posts vacant; the steps being taken to fill vacant posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48928/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) have advised that there were 1,395.22 whole time equivalent social workers employed in its services throughout the country at the end of October 2014. They have further advised that they are currently recruiting an additional 175 social workers to meet existing vacancies. In addition to this, a system of risk analysis is in place in each area to ensure that staffing numbers do not fall to an unsafe level and gaps identified through this process are addressed with the additional resource of temporary staff as required.

The following table provides a breakdown of the numbers employed and vacant posts being filled, which is compiled by region rather than on a county basis.

Child and Family Agency – Social Work numbers - 30th October 2014