Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 1

Written Answers. - Career Counsellors' Problems.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

62 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the situation being confronted by careers counsellors as outlined in media report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Liam Burke

Question:

76 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the situation being confronted by careers counsellors as outlined in media reports (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Frank Crowley

Question:

77 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the situation being confronted by careers counsellors as outlined in media reports (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Enda Kenny

Question:

108 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the situation being confronted by careers counsellors as outlined in media reports (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 76, 77 and 108 together.

I am very familiar with the problems referred to recently in the media which are confronting not just guidance counsellors but also many other teachers and school principals.

Through my meetings with parents, teachers and school managements I have a clear picture of the kinds of problems which are presenting in schools.

The study referred to in the question set out the sources, the nature and the extent of these problems. Their sources are in unemployment, deprivation, marriage breakdown and increases in crime. They present as physical, emotional, sexual, religious, and educational in character.

In so far as dealing with this at school level is concerned, I should say at the outset that we cannot expect our schools, on their own, to solve these problems. However, they are very often the first point of contact for young pupils in trouble of whatever kind.

I believe that support for pupils in difficulty should be seen as an across the school activity. While the presence of a trained guidance counsellor is essential for the ideal guidance service, the involvement of many other teachers is also essential. This would include teachers with a particular interest in pastoral care and teachers with experience of counselling in areas other than guidance counselling.

I want to assure you that my Department has been actively involved, over a number of years in projects of a preventative nature which are aimed at the problems in question.

In relation specifically to the allocation of posts for guidance in post-primary schools, the position is that all schools with enrolments of 500 or more pupils are allocated an ex-quota post for guidance. In addition, in accordance with the provisions of theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress, a phased programme which started in 1992/93 and which is due to be completed in 1994/95, was introduced for the recognition on an ex-quota basis of 0.5 of a wholetime post for guidance to secondary and community/comprehensive schools in the 350 — 499 enrolment category with a similar provision being made for vocational schools on a vocational education scheme basis.