Calls to double third-level places on social work courses to counter 'staffing crisis'

The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, said: "We know this isn’t an easy career, but it can be a very rewarding one." File photo: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

Third-level places for social work courses must be doubled, according to an organisation representing social workers, while the Ombudsman for Children says that measures must be put in place to recruit and retain Tusla staff.

The comments come after the Irish Examiner revealed on Monday that there are currently more than 850 vacancies in Tusla. These include 340 social work positions and 244 social care posts.