Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Yes. The assistant chief inspector, Ms McMorris, pointed out earlier that in a recent survey, one third of schools were not using their ex-quota allocation for guidance provision for that purpose. They were using it for some other purpose. That is quite alarming and it indicates the problem and wrong-headedness of giving power to schools to decide how they allocate career guidance or counselling services. If they were not providing it in one third of schools when there was an ex-quota allocation for it, how can we now ensure that service is provided in all schools when there is not an ex-quota allocation? Is it the case that they may be told instead to take it from other resources and to cut elsewhere?

Based on that evidence, it will not happen. The Minister is selling this as empowering schools but it is, in effect, a cut, which will make it more difficult to achieve what the guidelines intend.