Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I thank my colleague Deputy Brendan Smith for tabling this timely motion. This debate on career guidance and guidance counsellors is among the most important we are having. Over recent weeks, we have been contacted by people at the coalface in schools who are providing the best service possible. One of the teachers who contacted me over the past week expressed disgust over the cuts. In one school, in a large urban town, a leaving certificate student died by their own hand – I would rather not dramatise it – and it was the career guidance counsellor who took over in terms of talking the children and entire school through the situation. The teacher who contacted me said the strength and courage of the career guidance counsellor over the very difficult, challenging days, weeks and months were an inspiration. She complimented career guidance counsellors on their dedication and training in becoming qualified, and on the effective way they deal with problems. The teacher asked where the school in question would be had it not had the backup of a career guidance counsellor.

The Minister must consider this very carefully because the service has been built up, particularly over recent years, such that it results in great dividends for students from first year onwards. When students have emotional or family difficulties, career guidance staff are the staff they approach. They represent the trusted face of the school authorities.

These are very serious issues. The importance of career guidance counsellors' service to school communities could not be overstated. If we are serious about ensuring education is central, we must ensure the cut is reversed.

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