Vol. 523 No. 5
134 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the severe shortage of social workers for both health boards and probation and welfare services; the discussions he has had with the Higher Edu cation Authority in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21481/00]
I am aware of the report of the National Social Work Qualifications Board of July 2000 which provides baseline information on social work posts in Ireland based on a survey of the position at 1 September 1999. The survey found there were not enough qualified social workers available to fill posts and that an increase in the number of graduates from professional social work courses would be required to meet future demand.
The intake to the relevant courses in Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin was increased by 20 students in October 1995. This increased intake has been maintained and a bachelor of social work degree was introduced by the National University of Ireland, Cork, with effect from the 1999-2000 academic year with an intake of 18 students.
The report outlines how any increase in training places is intrinsically linked to practice placement opportunities. Quality practice placements are at the core of social work training and constitute some 50% of course time. The report notes that there is a crisis in the supply of practice placements due to a lack of formalised structures and resources. This situation is a major obstacle to colleges' abilities to increase student numbers. The National Social Work Qualifications Board has identified the resolution of the practice placement issue as a priority.
Officials of my Department have had preliminary discussions with the Higher Education Authority in relation to the provision of additional places. However, as noted in the report, any initiatives that could be taken in this regard are dependent on the practice placement issue being resolved. I understand that officials of the Department of Health and Children are currently pursuing this issue in association with the National Social Work Qualifications Board.
