Ambition of child and family welfare agency must be matched with resources and accountability – Troy

Published on: 20 July 2012


The plans for a new agency to deal with all issues relating to the welfare of children and families are extremely welcome, however the success of the agency in its important work will be dependent on the resources it is given and the political accountability the Minister for Children has over its work, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children Robert Troy has said.

Deputy Troy said: “The plans announced by Minister Fitzgerald today are extremely important and we fully support the establishment of a new body that brings all services for children and family welfare together.  It is essential that the welfare of children is given the highest priority and that vulnerable children in our society are protected.”

Deputy Troy raised a number of concerns that must be addressed in the development of the legislation for the new agency.  He said: “Minister Fitzgerald has described this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform how children are cared for in the State and revolutionise the services available.  If this is the case then the Minister will ensure the adequate resources and budget are put in place.  We have already seen the Minister fail to meet the target in the Ryan report of an additional 60 social workers in the system last year.  The number of social workers employed at the end of January 2011 was 1,196 and it was back to this number by the end of March this year after increasing to a high of 1,220 at the end of December. (see table below)

“If we are to achieve the vision of this agency then the Minister should be given responsibility for all key agencies.  For instance, a protocol with the Department of Education in relation to the National Education and Welfare Board falls far short of what should be done.  If Minister Fitzgerald is serious then reform of the NEWB should be brought under the control of her department.

“The current structure being talked about for the new child and family welfare agency is very similar in nature to the HSE structure – something which the Government has set about to completely dismantle.  Minister Fitzgerald and future Ministers for Children cannot duck responsibility – they must be accountable to the Dáil for all issues relating to the agency.

“We will be closely watching the timeline for the establishment of the new agency and in particular the resources it will be given versus its workload and remit.  We will also be bringing forward our own proposals in the debate on the legislation in the autumn.”

The tables below provide the total number of social work staff (including non-professionally qualified staff). The table also breaks down the staff into care groups.

31/01/2011

Acute Hospitals

259.62

Cancer Services

6

Children & Families

1,196.29

Corporate Functions

7.49

Disabilities

231.79

Health & Well-being

1.8

Mental Health

179.31

Older People

45.85

Palliative Care

19.6

Primary Care

420.18

Social Inclusion

58.98

Total

2426.91

31/03/2012

Acute Hospitals

264.29

Cancer Services

4

Children & Families

1,196.85

Corporate Functions

7.57

Disabilities

200.54

Health & Well-being

2.6

Mental Health

206.45

Older People

49.28

Palliative Care

15.74

Primary Care

393.99

Social Inclusion

56.09

Total

2397.4

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