Thomas P. Broughan
Question:751. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the current number of social worker vacancies; and his plans to ensure that all vacant posts are filled immediately. [34761/14]
View answerWednesday, 17 September 2014
Questions (751)
Written answers
At the end of July 2014, there were 1,395.92 whole time equivalent social workers employed at the Child and Family Agency. A rigorous system of risk analysis is in place in each area to ensure that staffing numbers do not fall to an unsafe level and gaps identified through this process are addressed with the additional resources of temporary staff as required. All identified vacancies are the subject of a recruitment process to ensure their filling at the earliest opportunity.
The latest figures available to my Department show 92 social workers have been recruited since the Agency was established with a further additional 100 posts currently on offer to candidates or under active recruitment. In addition, senior management at the Agency are currently considering a further 48 posts for recruitment approval.
In order to address gaps in service resulting from maternity leave, a pilot Maternity Leave Cover scheme has been introduced whereby maternity related vacancies can be filled by way of a 12 month temporary contract. There are currently 165 members of staff of the Agency on maternity leave, 83 of whom are social workers.