Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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129. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps he is taking to address the number of resignations of social workers within Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2186/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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There has been some recent media reports of a social worker turnover rate of 15%. I understand that this relates to HSE figures for the period 2010 to 2013 and relates to social work across all services including Primary Care, Disabilities, Mental Health, Older Persons and Children and Families. While the Child and Family Agency is experiencing some staff retention issues, the turnover of social workers in the Agency’s first year of operation (2014) was 6.7% – less than that experienced in many neighbouring countries.

The Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) have advised that there were 1,403.46 whole time equivalent social workers employed at the end of November 2014 and that they are currently recruiting an additional 193 social workers to meet existing vacancies. They have also advised that 155 social workers have already been recruited during 2014 and that 102 social workers left employment due to retirement and for other reasons.

Stability, experience and capacity of staff working in the area of child protection and child welfare is extremely important. The Agency is committed to producing a Workforce Development Strategy by end of second Quarter 2015. This is to ensure that strategic and operational workforce development plans and processes are established as key activities in the Agency. This development presents the Agency with a significant opportunity to improve resource deployment, skill and grade mix and staff motivation to the benefit of the children and families. The workforce development plan will consider issues around recruitment, retention and turnover of key staff. This will also include further developing supports through structured professional and career development.