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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 1977

Vol. 297 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Workers.

37.

asked the Minister for Health if he will state (1) the number of social workers in (a) Ireland (b) Dublin and (c) the north side of Dublin in the year 1972 and in the year 1976 (2) the projected increase in the number of social workers for the years 1977 and 1978 (3) the amount of money given to ancillary help in social centres such as Upper Sherrard Street and North William Street, Dublin, in the year 1972 and in the year 1976 (4) the amount of money spent on home help assistants and visitors in the year 1972 and in the year 1976 (5) if voluntary workers such as Saint Vincent de Paul Society or the Legion of Mary get any financial assistance from the Eastern Health Board and (6) the number of male social workers employed in the service in Dublin.

1. (a) The number of social workers employed by health boards is 173. In addition, 61 social workers are employed by voluntary groups engaged on community care services in concert with the health boards, 65 are employed by national voluntary organisations, and 71 are employed by voluntary hospitals, making a total of 370 social workers. (b) The Eastern Health Board employs 75 social workers throughout their functional area—Dublin City and County, counties Kildare and Wicklow—as compared with 28 in 1972. (c) 22 social workers are employed by the Eastern Health Board on the north side of Dublin city.

2. Health boards propose to employ 38 more social workers in 1977. Proposals in respect of 1978 are not yet available.

3. Grants paid by the Eastern Health Board to voluntary agencies providing community care services amounted to £400,000 in 1976 as compared with £51,761 in 1972-73.

4. The Eastern Health Board spent £342,000 on the home help service in 1976 as compared with £65,000 in 1972-73.

5. Yes—towards the cost of night shelters and hostels but not in respect of personal donations to clients.

6. Ten male social workers are employed by the Eastern Health Board.

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