Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My question relates to the provision of guidance services for those who are going on to further education who are developing their skills. The Minister of State might comment on the level of guidance available at different levels within the further education and skills development sector. The ETBs and various bodies such as Intreo would provide some level of guidance, but it is not sufficient. Attention is not given to this by the Department. We must ensure there is a comprehensive service so that applicants are advised of the best course to suit their talents and they take up something that will be suitable for them when they come out of their courses. Where applicants do not make the best decisions or the ones that are appropriate to them, it means they are not making the best use of their time and the State is not making the best use of its fund. The Minister of State might comment on the level of guidance available in the further education and skills development area and what plans, if any, the Government has to further enhance that.