David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister agree that the high drop-out and failure rate at third level could, in some instances, be caused by the lack of guidance counsellors at second level? Guidance counsellors often do not have enough time to give proper guidance to students at second level when, despite their young age, they must make important decisions. Does the Minister agree that the ratio must be returned to 1:250 now and not at a time in the distant future? Young people are under tremendous pressure for points in the leaving certificate and have to deal with personal issues both in school and outside it. What is the Minister's timescale for achieving the 1:250 ratio? Will it be this year, next year or ten years' time? Surely the Minister has a target in mind for this important area.

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