Ceist:
561 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of resource teachers employed in schools. [7551/02]
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
There are currently approximately 1,600 whole-time equivalent resource teachers employed to assist pupils with special needs in primary schools. In the current school year my Department has approved 262 resource posts and the equivalent of approximately 277 whole-time concessionary teaching posts to assist special needs pupils in second level schools.
Ceist:
562 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classroom assistants employed in schools. [7552/02]
My Department currently has 2,869 whole-time special needs assistant equivalents employed in primary and special schools. In the current school year my Department has approved 219 whole-time special needs assistants equivalents in second level schools.
Ceist:
563 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of career guidance teachers employed in schools. [7553/02]
Ceist:
564 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding allocated to counselling services in either primary or secondary schools. [7554/02]
Ceist:
565 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of counsellors employed in schools. [7555/02]
Ceist:
566 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the training provided to counsellors who are employed in schools. [7556/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 563 to 566, inclusive, together.
Currently, the work of guidance counsellors in second level schools includes both career counselling and an element of personal counselling. Accordingly, it is not possible to separate out these functions for the purpose of replying to the Deputy's questions. There are 680 whole-time equivalent posts allocated to schools for guidance purposes in the current year, at a total estimated cost of €35 million. All recognised guidance counsellors are required to be qualified teachers with an additional postgraduate qualification in guidance and counselling approved by my Department.