Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
104. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the money allocated for guidance counsellors in schools has been ring-fenced to ensure it is used to fund only that service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29870/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2016 provided an improved staffing allocation to second level schools for the purpose of enhancing guidance provision. This improvement took effect last month. It brought the basis of allocation from 19:1 to 18.7:1 for the 2016/17 school year. The improvement of 0.3 in PTR allocation was a restoration of 50% of the teaching resources that were removed when the allocation of guidance posts was brought within quota.
The delivery of the 50% restoration through a change in the staffing schedule allowed each school to determine how best to allocate the additional resources to meet the guidance needs of the school. The circular issued earlier this year by my Department outlining the allocation of teaching resources clearly stated that this additional resource is to complement existing resources in order to best meet the guidance needs of the school in line with the school's guidance plan.
