Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Department sanctioned 860 new SNA posts in June. Have these SNAs been recruited? Has the €7 milllion in expenditure been accounted for in 2016? Will there be an impact on the allocation in budget 2017? What is the target for SNA numbers in 2017 and what will be the costs associated with providing these SNAs?

I was heavily involved on the boards of management of two secondary schools in my county and the position regarding guidance counsellors was a major issue. In the Government's action plan for education, much reference is made to the well-being of students. I welcome that fact. We must acknowledge that their well-being is paramount and that mental health problems exist. Guidance counsellors have a significant role in terms of students' well-being. Since 2012, there has been a 53% cut in one-to-one counselling. I am passing on the concerns of teachers with whom I have been in contact who feel that the posts should be made ex quota because if we are to truly implement an effective well-being programme, guidance counsellors will have a role to play. It is wrong that they should be in competition with other subject areas. Will the Minister consider appointing ex quota guidance counsellors?