Written Answers. - Health Board Promotion Criteria.
Liz O'Donnell
Ceist:
12
Ms O'Donnell
asked the
Minister for Health
if his attention has been drawn to the concern among social workers that only those staff who have attained a post-graduate qualification will be eligible for promotion to senior posts in the health boards in view of a recent direction from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9469/95]
Limerick East): In July 1991, the then Minister for Health established a committee to review the qualifications necessary for employment as a social worker in a health board and to assess the qualifications of social workers holding foreign qualifications.
The committee reported in March 1994 and recommended that those recruited to entry grade positions in social work under health boards should have a minimum entry qualification of four to five years combined academic and practice training and education i.e. an academic and professional qualification. This recommendation was accepted.
A survey carried out by the committee in 1993 showed that out of 499 social workers employed under health boards, 386 held the professional qualification, the CQSW. In practice, the recognised qualification for both recruitment and promotion over the past fifteen years has been the professional qualification.
The committee, in its recommendations, also advised on the setting up of a permanent successor to itself, an advisory body in the form of a national validation body to oversee standards in social work training and education. This task was formerly carried out by the UK Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW) until their planned withdrawal in 1993.
The national validation body held its inaugural meeting on 17 May 1995. Among the issues to be addressed by the group is the question of social workers currently in post who do not hold a professional qualification and in particular the requirements to facilitate such social workers in obtaining a professional qualification. While primarily a matter for the new body, I have every confidence that due credit will be allowed for work experience and qualifications already obtained.
I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it is essential that all those involved in the delivery and supervision of social work be appropriately qualified and experienced. I want to assure the Deputy that every possible support will be given to those who may require additional training and/or experience in order to comply with the minimum professional requirements.
