Róisín Shortall
Question:155 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he is taking to increase the number of quality practice placements for social work training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14445/01]
Written Answers. - Social Work Training.
Following the publication in June 2000 of the report by the National Social Work Qualifications Board entitled Social Work Posts in Ireland, discussions have been ongoing between officials of my Department, the Department of Education and Science and the Higher Education Authority. It has been agreed to create 68 additional training places in social work. This development places additional demands on health service employers to provide an appropriate number of additional practice placement opportunities.
A number of practice placement co-ordinators will be put in place to co-ordinate this increased demand. In addition, a new grade of senior social work practitioner has been created and much of the responsibility of this new post will be the supervision of students on placement.
Initial discussions have also taken place in relation to the establishment of a national forum on social work practice placements which will involve the placement co-ordinators, the colleges and the National Social Work Qualifications Board. A restructuring of the practice teacher training programmes is also planned to allow better support for those who take students on placement.
I am confident that these developments will enhance the ability of employers to provide quality practice placements.