Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

413. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers working with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency; and the financial budget for the agency for 2015-16. [30383/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As at 31st May 2015, there was a total number of 1, 543 (1,408.31 whole time equivalent) Social Workers employed by the Child and Family Agency (Túsla). This represented 41% of the Agency's total workforce. The Agency is currently finalising its workforce statistics for June 2015 and I am expecting this Report shortly.

In 2015, Tusla has a total budget of €643 million which includes €631 million in current funding and €12 million in capital. This represents an increase of €34 million and is a 5.6% increase on the estimate allocation provided to Tusla in 2014. This funding increase demonstrates that, despite the budgetary constraints, this Government remains strongly committed to delivering the critically important support and reforms needed to support Ireland’s children and families. This additional funding is helping drive key priorities in the reform of services and assist Tusla to deliver on its mandate from Government. The resource allocation for 2016 will be considered in the context of the estimates process.