asked the Minister for Education what plans he has for increasing the number of career guidance personnel to ensure their services being more readily available to schools.
20.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Career Guidance Officers.
19.
asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the fact that a school (name supplied) has never had the services of a career guidance officer; and if he will explain why.
21.
asked the Minister for Education if career guidance officers employed by his Department are assigned to particular schools; and, if so, if he will give details.
22.
asked the Minister for Education the number of career guidance officers appointed by his Department to date.
23.
asked the Minister for Education the qualifications required by his Department for the post of career guidance officer.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 to 23 together.
It is proposed to provide a guidance service in all post-primary schools. To this end, a number of training courses in guidance for post-primary teachers have already been held by my Department. At present there are approximately 150 guidance teachers in post-primary schools and training will continue to be provided until such time as all post-primary schools enjoy the services of a guidance teacher. These guidance teachers are employed by the schools not by my Department.
Teachers for training in guidance are selected from recognised teachers who have shown a special aptitude for such work and are given special courses of training.
A number of guidance teachers are also appointed by schools from amongst those who have done a special university course.
As regards the school referred to by the Deputy arrangements have already been made for the manager of that school to discuss the matter with a senior psychologist in my Department.
Is it the intention of the Minister's Department to increase the number of career guidance officers? He said there are approximately 150. Does he intend to increase that number?
Yes. We hold courses each year for that purpose and we are also increasing the number of psychologists.
How recently did this correspondence with the manager of the school in question take place?
Quite recently. I was approached by Deputy Briscoe and as far as I know Deputy Ryan also phoned the Department in relation to it.