Colm Brophy
Question:577. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the increase in social work and social care courses since 2011. [45868/24]
View answerThursday, 7 November 2024
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The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not place a cap on the number of Social Work or Social Care places in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Provision of Social Care and Social Work programmes has increased in recent years, due to the Action Plan resulting from the Social Work Education Group.
The Social Work Education Group (SWEG) was established by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in January 2019, and comprises all relevant higher education institutions along with other key players such as the Health Service Executive (HSE), Tusla, Probation Service, and representation from DFHERIS.
Two new education pathways were introduced earlier this year to address the shortfall of practitioners in the social work sector. These are
• A tertiary degree in Social Work, co-delivered by Cork ETB and UCC, which allows learners to access an undergraduate degree in Social Work outside the CAO system, and
• A Social Work Apprenticeship, which allows apprentice social workers to "earn while they learn" as they gain on the job practical experience and a level 9 Social Work qualification.
Between them these two programmes provide an additional 54 training places in social work. This represents a more than 20% increase on the baseline intake of 240 students per year. A tertiary programme in social care work is under development.
My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, their agencies and regulatory bodies regarding health and social work workforce planning.