asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number and rank of officers in his Department with academic qualifications in the social sciences; and what steps will be taken to increase the intake of such qualified persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Academic Qualifications of Social Welfare Officers.
24.
So far as I am aware there are no officers in my Department with academic qualifications in social science. There are, however, quite a number of officers with academic qualifications in disciplines relevant to the work of my Department. If the need for the recruitment of social science graduates arises appropriate action will be taken.
Is the Minister aware that there is an increasing number of young people in this country pursuing academic courses in the social sciences and that there is also a large body of opinion in the country which feels that our social services are not best adapted to the present needs of our people? Having regard to this, would serious consideration now be given to the recruitment of specially qualified officers in social science in order that the Minister's Department may develop a more humanitarian approach to social welfare?
I would refer the Deputy to the latter part of the answer I have given and also indicate to him that in relation to these people following this particular course—particularly those in respect of our universities here—the first of them could only have emerged this year, so it is not a problem spread over a number of years.