Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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40. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps he will take to appoint additional front-line staff to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, services in counties Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35526/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Budget 2016 marks significant progress in providing Tusla with increased resources to address identified risks and meet service demands. Funding of over €676 million will be made available which is an increase of €38 million over their 2015 allocation. This level of funding includes targeted funding to address the findings of a recent national audit of child welfare and protection cases awaiting allocation to a social worker. Providing an effective response to this critical issue has been a high priority for me. Vulnerable children and young people need an allocated social worker so that their needs can be properly assessed and addressed. For the first time, we are putting in place a consistent approach to responding to children at risk.

At the end of August 2015, there were 1,362 whole time equivalent social work posts employed by Tusla, representing 40% of the total workforce. Tusla has identified a requirement for significant additional resources over a three year period and they are currently recruiting 277 staff to be in place by the end of 2015. 218 of these relate to social work posts with a further 18 relating to other front line services such as social care workers; family support workers and psychology and counselling. I am advised that this includes five social work posts relating to the Galway and Roscommon areas and that two of these posts have been accepted with starting dates agreed.

Further recruitment drives will be taking place and Tusla has advised that they are planning to recruit approximately 400 additional staff in 2016. The allocation of these staff across areas and regions is an operational matter for the Agency to decide upon.