Vol. 483 No. 4
143 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science whether he has received a communication from the principal of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22 in which he describes the benefits to his school of a teacher counsellor; if he will ensure the improvement and expansion of the teaching counsellor scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20722/97]
I have received the communication to which the Deputy refers. I am very pleased to note the positive impact which the appointment of a teaching counsellor has had on the school in question.
Under the pilot phase of the scheme, my Department is already providing significant in-service training and support for the teaching counsellors. An induction programme which focused on counselling skills was held in 1996 and the teachers concerned are currently participating in a diploma course in Trinity College Dublin. Participants in this course have access to the extensive library facilities of the college. In addition, the West Dublin Education Centre has purchased a wide variety of appropriate books and materials to which the teaching counsellors also have access.
A steering committee, which is focused on the in-service elements of this pilot scheme, meets on a regular basis in the West Dublin Education Centre. Membership of this committee includes officials from my Department, representatives of the teaching counsellors and school principals involved in the scheme.
The operation of the pilot phase of the scheme is being closely monitored by my Department's inspectorate. A detailed evaluation of the scheme is currently under way. I expect to receive a report on the outcome of the evaluation before the end of the current school year. The question of any further expansion of the scheme will be considered following completion of the evaluation.
