David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his response. Does the Minister agree we are still playing catch up in this area? We need to move to a better ratio across the system than that of 1:500. Does the Minister have long-term plans to permanently improve the overall ratio? What is his final target? Is it 1:200 or 1:250, or does he have a target?

The Minister seems to focus on guidance. Will he outline his views on the importance of counselling in schools? Young people are facing many difficulties and pressures. I am a guidance counsellor and I have an interest in this area. I believe the Minister is also a guidance counsellor. What is the Minister's vision for counselling in schools? What timescale does the Minister have for improving the ratio of guidance counsellor to student? Can the ratio be decreased to 1:250 or better in the next two years?

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