The successes and failures of Kilkenny Social Services ten years after being established.
Dr Peter Birch, Bishop of Ossory and Sr Stanislaus Kennedy (Sister Stan) describe the value of social services and the need for them in the area.
We had a number of failures
Dr Birch outlines the failings of the service ranging from the failure to provide property accommodation for mothers and families, speech therapy, and the attempt to indiscriminately house Travellers.
Settled Traveller Mrs Delaney describes her experience of the service and the benefits of now living in a house over a caravan at the side of the road.
I don't miss nothing off the road.
According to Mrs Delaney, a growing number of Travellers are now choosing a settled life and she feels they are all the better for it. However, as Dr Birch points out, the settled life is not for everyone.
Sister Stan works in family case work, a job that involves everything from providing First Holy Communion outfits for less well off families to working with those who have deep emotional problems.
I deal with all kinds of families. They may be materially in need or they may be emotionally in need.
This episode of 'Tangents' was broadcast on 20 November 1973. The reporter is John O'Donoghue.
