Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
543. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will allocate additional resources for guidance counsellors in schools in view of issues being experienced by students due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18994/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMeasures announced by my Department as part of Budgets 2016, 2017 and 2018 mean that 500 of the 600 guidance posts that were withdrawn in Budget 2012 were restored to schools from September 2018.
This allocation is provided separately and transparently on each school's staffing schedule. These posts have been ring-fenced so they can only be used for guidance activities and to meet the guidance needs of the school.
It is important to note that in previous changes to guidance counselling allocations in 2012, DEIS schools were effectively sheltered from these changes as a result of a more favourable staffing schedule.
As part of the COVID-19 operational supports to schools for the 2020/21 school year, approximately 120 posts will be provided for guidance to support student wellbeing. These posts will bring guidance provision in schools back to the level last seen before the financial crisis in 2012.
