CLAIMS GALWAY’S CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES UNDER SEVERE STRAIN

Date Published: 21-May-2008

A Senator is claiming Galway’s child protection services are under severe strain and are putting children’s lives at risk

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames claims that unoccupied social work posts in Galway are NOT being filled.

A HSE West source told the senator that 2 maternity leave posts were left vacant for quite some time, with one only recently filled after rigorous campaigning.

Galway already has a low ratio of social workers with just 2.5 staff per 10,000 population and waiting times for child protection assessment are currently 5 to 6 weeks.

Senator Healy Eames says Galway needs more social workers to deal with the current caseload.