Professor Emer Smyth:

We did not look at that as specifically as we might have. There has been a report on guidance in Northern Ireland. It is kind of split. They have career teachers at the school level, but then they have the Careers Service that comes in to school for one or two interventions.

Again, the impression from the published policy documents is that it is seen as less than adequate. Many young people, North and South, getting to sixth year have already made decisions about subjects or subject levels that have cut off opportunities for them. That area needs to be looked at more.

The Chair is right about there being more complex decisions. In Ireland, guidance counsellors also have a role in personal counselling, and they are split between that and the advice function. With more complex mental health needs emerging among young people, especially post pandemic, they are often pulled between the two functions. I hope that makes sense.