I wish to advise the Deputy that Tusla services are divided into four regions nationally and within each region there are local areas, with a total of 17 local areas nationally.
Tipperary is served by two areas:
- Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary
- Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary
Tusla has informed me that as of 31 March 2018, there was a deficit of 5 Social Workers in the Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary area and Tusla is currently in the process of recruiting for these posts.
For the same period, Tusla has informed me that there was a deficit of 10 Social Workers in the Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary area and Tusla is currently in the process of recruiting for these posts also and I understand that 3 posts have been accepted to date.