Vol. 515 No. 6
49 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of additional probation officers and social workers required for the full implementation of the Children Bill, 1999; the proposals, if any, he has for recruiting these additional staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6826/00]
My Department in consultation with the probation and welfare service has carried out a full assessment of the priority requirements for the full implementation of the Children Bill, 1999. Based on existing experience
the best current estimate of staffing requirements in the Probation and Welfare Service is in the region of 63 professional staff. This is a significant staffing requirement and recruitment will be intensified over the next two years.
The recruitment of social workers is a matter for the Minister for Health and Children and the regional health boards.
