A total of 1,459 social work posts transferred from the HSE to the Child & Family Agency. The complement transferring was determined following a detailed census and re-classification process undertaken in the HSE during 2013 through which social workers were formally assigned to particular care groups, including child and families services.
A rigorous system of risk analysis is in place to ensure that staffing numbers do not fall to an unsafe level as vacancies arise. These vacancies are approved for filling as a priority with an emphasis being placed on needs assessment, a range of demographic factors and the levels of risk involved.