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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Staffing.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

332 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if all community colleges have filled full-time vacancies for guidance counsellors including two colleges (details supplied); and the plans, if any, he has to expand the criteria for the employment of guidance counsellors in second level schools. [4255/00]

All schools in the free education scheme qualify for the allocation of teaching resources, on an ex-quota basis, in respect of guidance. The allocation to an individual school is determined by the enrolment in the school.

The appropriate allocation in respect of the current school year has been made to the relevant school authorities.

With regard to the specific schools referred to by the Deputy, my Department is satisfied that the allocation is being used for guidance purposes. However, in the case of one school the teacher doing the guidance is currently undergoing an approved course in guidance and counselling. In the case of the second school, the position is that, despite a number of advertisements, the school authorities were unable to secure the services of a trained guidance counsellor. This post will be re-advertised for the next school year.

A comprehensive circular on all aspects of guidance is currently being drafted within my Department and will issue to all second level schools as soon as possible.

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