I can advise the Deputy that at present, qualified post-primary teachers who also hold a recognised qualification in Guidance Counselling are entitled to apply for permanent positions as Guidance Counsellors in schools.
In exceptional circumstances, where a school can demonstrate that it has tried on many occasions and was unsuccessful in recruiting a fully qualified guidance counsellor-cum -teacher, that school may be permitted to employ a guidance counsellor (who does not have a teaching qualification) but only on the unqualified teacher’s pay rate without increments.
This may be permitted as a temporary, interim measure until either the guidance counsellor completes the Professional Masters in Education to qualify as post-primary teacher or the school recruits a qualified guidance counsellor.
There is an alternative route for Teaching Council registration for those working in the Further Education and Training sector.
We have been requested to explore other possibilities for those that hold a guidance qualification, but do not hold not a PME (or equivalent), to fulfil the Teaching Council requirements.
My officials have committed to reviewing this situation, in consultation with the relevant partners, including the Teaching Council, as part of the ongoing wider review of Guidance Counselling which is currently in progress.