asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that sufficient social workers are available to all health boards; and, if not, the action he proposes to take to recruit additional personnel.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Board Social Workers.
22.
I am not satisfied, as yet, that sufficient social workers are available to health boards but I am hopeful that the situation will shortly improve because of action which I have taken since I came into office.
Among the measures taken to stimulate recruitment are (a) the provision in the budget for the current year of an extra £500,000 for expansion of community welfare services, including the employment of additional social workers and the provision of further professional training for serving personnel; (b) the sanctioning of increased remuneration for social work personnel within the terms of the national agreement; and (c) the initiation of a special scheme under which health boards are sponsoring candidates who have obtained places on university courses leading to a professional qualification in social work.
Since 1st March, 1973, 15 additional posts as senior social worker and 25 additional posts as social worker have been sanctioned by my Department. The posts have been advertised and the selection procedures are now in operation.