Vol. 490 No. 7
165 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the numbers of social workers who are in employment in Government funded public services who do not have formal professional qualifications; and the schemes, if any, he has in place to provide certified in-service training for them. [10997/98]
There are approximately 70 social workers employed in the public service at present who have a Bachelor in Social Science degree, but without a professional qualification in social work. I have asked the National Social Work Qualifications Board to investigate the training needs of this group. The board is currently finalising its recommendations for a training course that would confer the National Qualification in Social Work on those who successfully complete the course. The course will take account of the wide experience of the social workers involved and will be tailored to their needs. When these recommendations are received, they will be considered and a decision issued in due course. I hope that the matter can be resolved without further delay.
