Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Studies Qualifications.

Mary Wallace

Question:

551 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education the reason the B.tech. Diploma in social studies in Inchicore is not acceptable for employment as a social worker in this country; the distinction between that diploma and the higher diploma in social studies which is required for a social worker; the value of the B.tech. Diploma in social studies in Inchicore and in other similar institutions if it does not qualify the participants who studied over a three year period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16144/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The National Validation Body on Social Work Qualifications and Training, appointed by the Minister for Health, approves the standards of social work training in Ireland and recognises social work qualifications. In that context, a professionally qualified social worker is required to have a minimum entry qualification of four to five years combined academic and practice training and education. Degree and postgraduate courses in University College Dublin, Trinity College and University College Cork meet this professional standard.

Inchicore Vocational School offers a range of one and two year post-leaving certificate vocational preparation and training courses, one of which is a two year B. Tech Higher National Diploma in Caring Services. The literature advertising the course in Inchicore makes clear that graduates of the diploma can secure exemptions on related degree courses in the UK.

The course in Inchicore does not lead to recognition as a social worker in Ireland, but offers vocational preparation and training at operative level for employment in the community care sector.