There has never been a greater need for this service to be maintained and improved. I met teachers not only in career guidance and counselling who are passionate about the service and recognise the absolute need to retain it in all schools. It is abundantly clear that the requirements of section 9(c) of the Education Act 1998, brought through the Oireachtas by my party leader, will not be met by many schools. Some time ago, the Minister told me he would issue a circular. The responses to parliamentary questions have been vague to say the least. The career guidance and counselling service needs to be maintained and I appeal to the Minister to reverse the decision and to ensure the present method of allocation for the career guidance and counselling service is maintained.

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