Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016
815. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the policy of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, in appointing a male social worker even though the child has asked for a female social worker; the number of times this has occurred in the past three years, if available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20714/16]
View answerTusla has advised that it does not collate data on situations where a request has been made for a social worker of a particular gender. There is no policy which applies in this situation as each individual case is decided on its own merits. Social workers are allocated according to the presented needs of children and concerns for their safety and wellbeing. Allocation is not based on gender unless there are clear and specific circumstances that would warrant such a decision and any such decision would be reviewed on an ongoing basis by the relevant manager. It is important to note that all social workers in Tusla are members of a registered profession and are capable of dealing with all child protection and welfare matters irrespective of gender.
