Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - Guidance Counselling.

Dick Spring

Question:

87 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 54 of 12 May 1998, he has satisfied himself regarding aspects of the guidance provision in second-level schools being no longer the sole responsibility of the guidance counsellor, that is, where a student is given wrong information by an unqualified person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14997/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Traditionally, the provision of guidance, including the provision of information about careers and further education, has been part of the caring, pastoral overall educational role of the school. The introduction of the specialist role of guidance counsellor has been in recognition of the increasing amount and complexity of vocational and educational information and of the increasing need and demand for personal counselling.

The introduction in schools of the role of guidance counsellor may have resulted, in some instances, in a tendency to view guidance provisions as the sole responsibility of the guidance counsellor. However the role of the school as a whole in the provision of guidance has been confirmed and affirmed again, relatively recently, in the "Guidelines for the Practice of Guidance and Counselling in Schools" prepared by the National Centre for Guidance in Education, sent by the Department to all post-primary schools in 1996.

The guidance counsellor, as well as having a specialist function, is a resource person for the school in fulfilling its overall guidance role. Other teachers provide students with information and advce related to their subject disciplines and may also have a guidance function when they have responsibilities in management, pastoral care, home liaison or in other related areas. I am satisifed that there are no particular legal difficulties arising, assuming that due and reasonable care is taken in ensuring the accuracy of any information provided.