Committee on Children and Youth Affairs to discuss the Recruitment and Retention of Social Workers

Representatives from the Irish Foster Care Association (IFCA) and the Irish Association of Social Workers will come before the Committee.

In advance of the meeting, the Chairman of the Joint Committee, Deputy Alan Farrell, said: “On an ongoing basis the Committee is monitoring the matter of Social Worker recruitment and retention, with a view to ascertaining the level of progress on this vital matter.

"The opportunity to hear from the representative body for foster care in Ireland is an invaluable one.”

The Chairman continued: “Both the IASW and the IFCA work on the frontline of service provision, with children and families, and their insight into the challenges of a very competitive labour market with a limited availability of social work graduates, will be most welcome.

“As a committee we appreciate the dedication of all professionals in the area of social work, including IASW members, and for all involved in foster care including those backed by the learning and support initiatives provided by IFCA.

“The insight of both the IASW and the IFCA in relation to the recruitment and retention of social workers will be of paramount importance to the Committee’s work.”

Committee proceedings can be viewed live here: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachtas-tv/cr1-live/

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.