asked the Minister for Education if he will consider the introduction of a team of qualified career guidance officers into his Department whose sole function it will be to visit schools to inform school leavers of job opportunities.
40.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Career Guidance.
39.
asked the Minister for Education whether his Department have any plans for the extension of career guidance in secondary schools; and whether he is aware that at present many children in such schools enjoy no guidance scheme.
Mr. O'Malley
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together. It is my intention to provide as quickly as possible a system of vocational guidance for all post-primary pupils throughout the country. The first step in implementing this is the establishment of an adequate school psychological service. A number of psychologists has been appointed to the staff of my Department and I propose to add to their number each year until the service is adequate.
Furthermore, I intend giving to selected teachers courses of training as guidance masters in their own schools. These teachers will work in conjunction with the school psychologists and at the same time make available to the school leavers information obtained from the Department of Labour in relation to careers, job opportunities, etc.