Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2018
544. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if social workers are delivering developmental and educational courses as an extracurricular activity on a for-profit basis to agencies within her remit. [2779/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, there are four agencies within my remit and I wish to advise as follows:
- The Office of the Ombudsman for Children is independent in its function and reports to the Oireachtas on matters within its remit, as required by the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002. I have forwarded the question to the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and asked that they might correspond with you directly in this matter.
- Tusla has advised that in line with the One Person One Salary principle, Tusla does not permit social workers to engage in any private extra-curricular activity in relation to public sector funded agencies. This directive has been communicated and implemented across Tusla.
- With regard to the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Oberstown Children Detention Campus, I have been advised that there is no social worker delivering developmental and educational courses as an extracurricular activity on a for profit basis in either agency.
