More than 200 social work posts vacant in Republic

At least 200 social work posts in Ireland are vacant despite significant increases in the number of reports of children at risk of abuse or neglect, new figures from the Child and Family Agency show.

Staffing is at 93 per cent of recommended levels – or 84 per cent if maternity leave is included, the equivalent of more than 200 vacancies.

Some 40,000 referrals were made to child protection teams in each of the last two years – up nearly a quarter on 2011 figures – placing strain on services already under pressure.

The Child and Family Agency has pledged to tackle staffing gaps through a range of new measures. These include plans for a graduate placement scheme that could see many vacancies filled by students who have completed social work courses.

Year-long placements would be open to third-level graduates from the main social work courses at a salary of about €31,000.