John Bruton
Question:92 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason all post-primary schools do not have access to career guidance instruction. [12289/01]
Written Answers - Career Guidance Service.
My Department makes a specific ex quota allocation of teaching posts in respect of guidance in second level schools. The allocation ranges from 0.36 of a post or eight hours per week in schools in the free education scheme with an enrolment of less than 200 pupils to two posts in the case of schools with an enrolment of 1,000 pupils or more. In the case of certain fee paying schools which are not in the free education scheme 0.5 of a post is allocated in respect of these schools in the 350 to 499 enrolment category and a full post is allocated in the case of schools with 500 or more pupils.
Recently I announced that 50 additional guidance posts are to be allocated to schools for use by them in developing innovative ways of enhancing their guidance provision, especially in promoting links between schools and business. Schools will shortly be invited to propose innovative actions they would undertake in order to enhance their guidance provision. Posts will be allocated on the basis of an objective assessment of these proposals.
An expert group is currently reviewing the current procedures for the allocation of teachers at second level. I expect to receive the group's report shortly.
Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 78.