asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the problems being encountered by social workers in this country in securing joint validation of the professional qualifications in social work, north and south of the Border, having regard to the decision of the British Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work to terminate the arrangements that are in place at the present time; if he intends to prepare legislation for the establishment of an Irish recognition body; and if he will address the issue of compatibility of qualifications between Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Written Answers. - Social Workers' Qualifications.
99.
A number of interested bodies from both the North and South of Ireland, including my Department, are at present in close contact with the British Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW) on the future role of CCETSW in Ireland. A final decision by CCETSW on their future involvement in Ireland has not been made and accordingly it is too early to say what legislation, if any, will be introduced here pending the outcome of these discussions.