Andrews denies Gardaí are ‘being used as social workers’

GARDAÍ are not “being used as virtual social workers” at night time, the office of the Minister for Children Barry Andrews has insisted.

Mr Andrews also said his office was working towards the development of an out-of-hours social worker service around the country

The minister was responding to claims in an article in this newspaper by representatives from the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) that they had become “virtual social workers” since the Emergency Place of Safety (EPS) service started a year ago. The AGSI claimed that outside of Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow, Gardaí are charged with contacting a private foster care agency, Five Rivers Ireland, when they believe a child is “at immediate and serious risk” and needs emergency accommodation.

The structure of the service means the children must come to the Garda station before they can be allocated one of 10 emergency beds around the country. Gardaí complained they are “left holding the baby”.

Mr Andrews said last night he is “more than willing” to meet any group to discuss any issue relating to child protection.

He said the service has been “operating very successfully” since it was instigated last summer.

“The Place of Safety Service was never portrayed as a full out-of-hours social work service. It is seen as a first step in enhancing out-of-hours provision but further steps need to be taken,” he said.

The Irish Association of Social Workers says the HSE would have to double the number of social workers if such a 24-hour service was to work.

The EPS service operates from 5pm-9am, Monday to Friday, and at weekends and bank holidays.