asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken, or will be taken to implement the provisions of the interim report of the task force in relation to the training and qualification of child-care workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Child-Care Workers.
15.
Discussions have been taking place with the Conference of Major Religious Superiors to agree on the respective roles of the different levels of staff employed in children's homes. The roles and training needs of child-care staffs employed in other types of institutions are being considered by my Department and the Department of Education.
The future level and scope of training to be provided for child-care workers must, however, be considered in the wider context of the future training arrangements for social work staffs. I hope to make an announcement soon about how this issue will be resolved, having regard to the variety of interests concerned.
Is the Minister aware of the considerable disquiet that exists because of the delay in taking this decision? Would he further agree that the delay is responsible for a severe problem for young people who may want to take up this kind of career and do not know what may be waiting for them at the end of the course they are taking?
I would not necessarily agree that there is disquite, but I accept that there is a need to treat the situation as urgently as possible, and that will be done.
The Minister said it would be in a short time. Can he give any indication as to whether it will be weeks or months?
It certainly will not go beyond a matter of months.
What are the other categories of social worker staff in conjuction with which the training arrangements of child-care workers are being considered?
All the various professional and semi-professional organisations which are involved in this area.
Is the Minister happy with the Kilkenny course or does he wish to modify the course which is already in existence?
I would rather the Deputy would wait until I make an announcement about this. I do not want to be dealing with it piecemeal. It is a delicate area.
They are going to have a busy time.
Questions Nos. 16 and 17 postponed.