Vol. 552 No. 2
159 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of training places for social workers; the locations of same; and the expected number of persons to graduate with a social work degree in each of the next four years. [12250/02]
The report of the National Social Work Qualifications Board of July 2000 provides baseline information on social work posts in Ireland, based on a survey of the position as at 1 September 1999. The survey concluded there were not enough qualified social workers to fill available posts and that an increase in the number of graduates from professional social work courses would be required to meet future demand.
On foot of this report, my officials are in ongoing discussions with the Higher Education Authority, the Department of Health and Children and the National Social Work Qualifications Board in regard to training places for social workers. The Department of Health and Children is putting arrangements in place to ensure an adequate supply of quality practice placements. A considerable expansion in provision has been agreed, with an extra 35 places being provided for the current academic year bringing the total number of places to 137.
The location of these places is as follows:
|
TCD |
30 places |
|
UCD |
35 places |
|
UCC |
72 places |
