Social work sector 'needs massive funding boost'

The President of the Irish Association of Social Workers has said the sector needs a massive boost in funding after a report found inspectors in Dublin North West were not assured that all children in foster care were safe.

The Health Information and Quality Authority report also found that vulnerable children in State care were being cared for by foster parents who were previously found to be unsuitable for the task.

Furthermore, some children remained in placements even though allegations had been raised about their foster carers.

The Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald has described the report's findings as unacceptable.

President of the Irish Association of Social Workers Ineke Durville said that, compared to other jurisdictions, Ireland is under-staffed and under-funded.

"Compared to Northern Ireland and to England, we have about a third of the number of social workers per head of population," she said.