Menu
17/05/2016
FF Commit To Reintroduction Of Secondary School Guidance Counselling
Fianna Fáil has said that the reintroduction of guidance counselling to secondary schools is one of their key education priorities.
The party's Spokesperson on Education, Charlie McConalogue, made the commitment following the publication of a survey by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, which found that the most disadvantaged schools have seen guidance counselling provision reduced by 30% since 2012.
"The decision to allow schools to manage guidance provision within their standard teacher allocation has been disastrous, resulting in the reduction of one-on-one guidance by an average of 26% in non-DEIS and 30% in DEIS schools", Deputy McConalogue said.
"Guidance counselling suffered one of the single greatest cuts in the education sector in the last decade and it has some of the greatest ramifications for children’s future. The loss of guidance counselling, particularly in less advantaged schools, where parental contributions and school fees are not available to replace the funding removed by the State, has resulted in a disjointed and inequitable system.
"Unless restored, the loss of guidance counselling will continue to significantly worsen social inequalities and entrenched educational disadvantage.
"As part of the Confidence & Supply arrangement to support this minority Government, Fianna Fáil has secured a commitment to ensure that guidance counselling is reintroduced to all secondary schools and we will be actively pursuing this proposal in the months ahead."
(MH/LM)
The party's Spokesperson on Education, Charlie McConalogue, made the commitment following the publication of a survey by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, which found that the most disadvantaged schools have seen guidance counselling provision reduced by 30% since 2012.
"The decision to allow schools to manage guidance provision within their standard teacher allocation has been disastrous, resulting in the reduction of one-on-one guidance by an average of 26% in non-DEIS and 30% in DEIS schools", Deputy McConalogue said.
"Guidance counselling suffered one of the single greatest cuts in the education sector in the last decade and it has some of the greatest ramifications for children’s future. The loss of guidance counselling, particularly in less advantaged schools, where parental contributions and school fees are not available to replace the funding removed by the State, has resulted in a disjointed and inequitable system.
"Unless restored, the loss of guidance counselling will continue to significantly worsen social inequalities and entrenched educational disadvantage.
"As part of the Confidence & Supply arrangement to support this minority Government, Fianna Fáil has secured a commitment to ensure that guidance counselling is reintroduced to all secondary schools and we will be actively pursuing this proposal in the months ahead."
(MH/LM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 March 2024
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
Call For Education On Violence Against Women And Girls
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has been challenged by the SDLP on the proposed introduction of mandatory education around violence against women and girls in schools.
18 January 2012
Calls To Reverse Guidance Counselling Cuts
The main Opposition parties have joined in condemnation of the Government over their imposition of cuts to guidance counselling on Wednesday morning. Both Sin Fein and Fianna Fail voiced their objection as schools fear the proposed cuts to their career guidance and counselling, which may be forced on them by Budget 2012.
Calls To Reverse Guidance Counselling Cuts
The main Opposition parties have joined in condemnation of the Government over their imposition of cuts to guidance counselling on Wednesday morning. Both Sin Fein and Fianna Fail voiced their objection as schools fear the proposed cuts to their career guidance and counselling, which may be forced on them by Budget 2012.
17 May 2011
Louth Celebrates Educational Boost
A major educational project in Louth has been completed with the Dáil Minister Ruari Quinn opening a new €900,000 extension at Drogheda Institute of Further Education. The 590-sq/m extension has an ICT laboratory, two lecture rooms, two dedicated rooms for Fashion & Interior Design, a career guidance office, a storeroom and a toilet block.
Louth Celebrates Educational Boost
A major educational project in Louth has been completed with the Dáil Minister Ruari Quinn opening a new €900,000 extension at Drogheda Institute of Further Education. The 590-sq/m extension has an ICT laboratory, two lecture rooms, two dedicated rooms for Fashion & Interior Design, a career guidance office, a storeroom and a toilet block.
11 April 2012
FF Calls On Quinn To Wake Up To Guidance Provision Mistake
Fianna Fáil has called on the Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn to wake up to his mistake on changing the provision for guidance counsellors at second level.
FF Calls On Quinn To Wake Up To Guidance Provision Mistake
Fianna Fáil has called on the Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn to wake up to his mistake on changing the provision for guidance counsellors at second level.
10 April 2014
Govt Accused Of 'False Economy Savings'
The government has been accused of "engaging in false economy savings", by cutting guidance counsellors for second-level students.
Govt Accused Of 'False Economy Savings'
The government has been accused of "engaging in false economy savings", by cutting guidance counsellors for second-level students.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with any low cloud and mist clearing during the morning leaving long spells of warm sunshine. Breezy at times around the coast. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some sunshine, then clear spells overnight. Low cloud could form around some Irish Sea coasts later in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
