Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

576. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the average waiting times for applications for disability allowance, carers allowance and appeals and the work her Department has undertaken to reduce these waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45821/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This question is more appropriate to the Department of Social Protection. My officials have been in contact with that Department and they would be happy to respond to you directly if you contact them.

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

577. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the increase in social work and social care courses since 2011. [45868/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not place a cap on the number of Social Work or Social Care places in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Provision of Social Care and Social Work programmes has increased in recent years, due to the Action Plan resulting from the Social Work Education Group.

The Social Work Education Group (SWEG) was established by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in January 2019, and comprises all relevant higher education institutions along with other key players such as the Health Service Executive (HSE), Tusla, Probation Service, and representation from DFHERIS.

Two new education pathways were introduced earlier this year to address the shortfall of practitioners in the social work sector. These are

• A tertiary degree in Social Work, co-delivered by Cork ETB and UCC, which allows learners to access an undergraduate degree in Social Work outside the CAO system, and
• A Social Work Apprenticeship, which allows apprentice social workers to "earn while they learn" as they gain on the job practical experience and a level 9 Social Work qualification.

My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, their agencies and regulatory bodies regarding health and social work workforce planning.