Social Work Education in Ireland

In the context of contemporary Ireland, this chapter highlights unique features of the system of social work education in Ireland, a system which has been shaped by the wider social context, including key economic, political, and social developments at a time of rapid social change. Despite the many challenges experienced by the profession during periods of economic austerity, political strife, and social change, this chapter argues that the education system has been an important component of the professionalisation of social work in Ireland and has played a significant role in responding to the myriad of competing demands raised by these challenges.