Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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535. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will act to ensure the adequate provision of social workers to ensure the needs of the 3,000 plus children at risk are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11654/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The impact of vacancies on service provision is risk-assessed on an ongoing basis. Such risk-assessments take account of issues such as case loads and referral numbers. Where necessary, temporary staff are brought in to cover vacancies, until such vacancies are filled on a permanent basis.

The Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) has advised that there were 1,396.55 whole time equivalent social workers employed at the end of January 2015 and that they are currently recruiting an additional 203 social workers.

I have identified the number of open unallocated cases which are classified as being of a "high priority" as an issue of concern and have asked the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) to develop an action plan setting out proposed measures, having regard to the current, or required resource base, to tackle the issue.