24-hour social work service set to be rolled out nationwide

A 24-hour social work service is to be rolled out across the country over the summer, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has confirmed.

Preparations have been made to provide the 24-hour on-call service but Tusla had to wait for the green light from the trade unions. Management and the unions are to meet next week to put the final arrangements in place.

ISPCC chief executive Grainia Long described the absence of a 24-hour social work service as a national scandal.