344 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the planned recruitment of social workers by the Health Service Executive in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48256/10]

Additional funding of €9 million has been allocated to the HSE in 2011 to support the continuing implementation of the Government's action plan published in response to the Ryan report. This includes provision for the recruitment of an additional 60 social workers in 2011. In addition, there will be a continuing exemption in 2011 from the recruitment moratorium to allow for the filling of social work vacancies.