Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2016
46. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of social workers who have been recruited in 2016 to respond to the needs of children who have not had a social worker allocated to them; if there are difficulties in attracting applicants; the efforts being made to encourage qualified social workers to apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33526/16]
View answerTusla inform me that they have recruited a total of 190 social workers up to the end of September 2016. However, it is important to note that due to normal attrition, such as retirements and resignations, the social worker whole time equivalent has increased by 71 since the start of 2016.
During 2016, Tusla has been very proactive in what is a challenging recruitment market. Earlier this year, Tusla ran a successful recruitment campaign in third level colleges throughout Ireland, including Northern Ireland, to attract social work graduates. Following its campaign, Tusla conducted interviews during the summer and 248 candidates were successfully placed on a panel. I understand 101 social work posts have been offered to date and accordingly the social worker whole time equivalent numbers should increase in the coming months as the new recruits commence work. In addition, Tusla is also launching an on-going recruitment campaign to attract social workers specifically interested in working in child and family services. Tusla has also commenced work on its 2017 graduate recruitment campaign which will include colleges in the UK.
In addition to its recruitment campaigns, Tusla has undertaken a range of activities to raise its profile as an employer of choice. These include the introduction of an internal transfer policy to allow staff mobility, more flexible work practices and protected time for Continuing Professional Development.
