Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

In respect of supporting individual students to make the correct decisions, I have also prioritised the provision of extra guidance teachers for our second level schools. All second level schools receive ex-quota hours from the Department to provide guidance and counselling to their students. Recognised guidance counsellors are qualified to identify difficulties which students may be experiencing or to provide counselling support, on an individual or group basis. Counselling can assist students to address behavioural issues, develop coping strategies or resolve personal difficulties. The importance I attach to the guidance function in schools is evidenced by my announcement last April of an extra 100 guidance teachers for the current school year. Under the new action plan for disadvantaged schools, DEIS, this week 200 second level schools were invited to participate in the process. They will be given enhanced——

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