Vol. 485 No. 3
212 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give details of the number of social workers employed in the health services; the number of estimated new posts which will arise during 1998; the numbers who are currently in training in this regard; his views on the adequacy or otherwise of the current university intake in relation to meeting the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23418/97]
There are currently 1,079 (whole-time equivalents) social workers employed in the health services. Additional funding has been allocated for 1998 to implement further measures under the Child Care Act, and will probably give rise to extra numbers of social workers. However, the number required will not be finalised until the agencies provide service plans in early 1998. There are 248 students currently enrolled on social work courses. I am not aware of any evidence to suggest that the number currently in training is not sufficient to meet demand. However this number is subject to regular review.
