Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

685. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will support Tusla in its efforts to secure 250 social workers to deal with the backlog of cases of children at risk (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30652/15]

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

The Child and Family Agency (Tusla) have advised that there were 1,375.24 whole time equivalent social workers employed at the end of July 2015 and that they are currently recruiting an additional 218 social workers to meet existing vacancies.

Stability, experience and capacity of staff working in the area of child protection and child welfare are extremely important. The Agency is currently examining its workforce and service requirements and the issue of additional resources, including the recruitment of more social workers and other front line staff, will be considered in the context of the estimates process for 2016.