asked the Minister for Health if he considers it necessary that steps be taken to co-ordinate the activities of social workers in the community.

The activities of social workers in the community, employed by bodies under the aegis of my Department, are co-ordinated through the health boards. The arrangements for co-ordination are kept under regular review.

Would the Minister say whether he considers it desirable that the activities of social workers who may be employed by voluntary bodies should be co-ordinated with the activities of social workers who are employed in the public service in the community?

I am looking into this question of better liaison between social workers and my Department and in other areas and I hope to discuss it with the people concerned with a view to improving the situation.

41.

asked the Minister for Health if it is intended to set up a registration council in this country for social workers.

While I am generally satisfied with the present arrangements for the training of social workers and with the quality of the social workers employed in the health services, I am, however, impressed by the arguments in favour of the establishment of a national registration council. I am considering, in consultation with the other Departments concerned and the professional interests, the establishment of such a body.