Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 5

Written Answers. - Teacher Counsellor Posts.

Liam Lawlor

Ceist:

196 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education if she will extend the services of teacher-counsellors to all schools designated as disadvantaged (details supplied) in the Blanchardstown area, Dublin 15, particularly in view of the recent meeting of the principals of all the disadvantaged schools who have collectively identified this matter as the most pressing requirement for attention within their schools. [9582/97]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am not in an position at present to allocate additional teacher counsellor posts to primary schools.

Under the current pilot phase of the teacher counsellor scheme, 27 teacher counsellor posts have been allocated to selected schools in the North inner city and Clondalkin areas of Dublin.

The role of the teacher counsellor is two-fold: to co-ordinate a whole-school approach to devising and implementing good practice and strategies that will help to prevent the occurrence of disruptive behaviour, and to teach and counsel small groups and individuals who exhibit persistent behaviour difficulties in the classroom.

The operation of the pilot phase of this scheme is being closely monitored by my Department's inspectorate. The question of any further expansion of the scheme will be considered following a detailed review of the pilot phase and having regard to resource availability.

I am aware of the case made by the principals of disadvantaged schools in the Blanchardstown area. The needs of the schools in question will be considered in the context of any expansion of the scheme which may be undertaken.