Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Táimid buíoch do Fhianna Fáil as ucht an rúin seo a chuir romhainn.

The Government's policies are not working. That is the truth of it. Worse, the Government is adding to the mess that it inherited. The evidence is everywhere. It is in mass emigration, mounting job losses, a health service on the rack and one Government decision after another imposing cuts in public services.

In every society, as those of us who live in the real world will be aware, there are citizens who need a leg up. A fairer society has an obligation to give this support. A good Government, a visionary thoughtful Government, will supply this, protect it and build on it, while a unfair short-sighted Government will do the opposite. The decision to cut resources to DEIS schools was an example of this. Last week the Minister was forced to admit that this was a mistake. However, the truth is this was a conscious decision taken by him, a Labour Minister, to cut services to vulnerable young people and it was completely in keeping with the Government's austerity programme.

The Government's austerity programme is aimed at forcing those who can least afford it to carry the greatest burden. This is also the reason the Government targeted disabled young people and DEIS schools and it is why services to our elderly are being cut. It explains why up to 1,000 guidance counsellor posts are to go. If teachers and parents had not caused a row the Government would not have admitted its mistake nor would it have attempted to reverse the decisions. The Government was forced to retreat on some of these bad decisions and the same focus is required in respect of guidance counsellors.

Some of the Deputies opposite are teachers and as such they know better than I that guidance counsellors help young people with subject and career choices and applications for third level programmes. Cabhraíonn siad fosta le scoláirí dul i dtreo postanna a n-oireann dóibh go speisialta, go háirithe ag an uair mhilteannach seo. Without the help of guidance counsellors students might pick the wrong courses. Students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds often apply to college through the higher education access route, while the disability access route is for students with learning or physical disabilities or mental health problems. Students applying through these schemes can avail of reduced points and assistance in college but they have to complete complex application forms. Counsellors also help students with ADD, ADHD, OCD and autism. These are crucial elements of the education system. They help students identify careers, which is particularly important during this recession. They are also the first port of call for young people under threat or who are experiencing difficulties with their mental well-being.

Today a guidance counsellor from County Louth outlined for me some of the issues she has dealt with in recent times. Incidents included self-harm, rape, family breakdown, bullying, eating disorders, child neglect, alcoholism in families, drug abuse and mental health issues. At a time when self-harm and suicide are increasing, who will help these students if guidance counsellors are not available?

I am also concerned these cuts will result in the privatisation of guidance counselling. The cuts will not affect those who can afford private counselling when their children are facing difficulties. There will always be private counsellors and they also do good work. However, those who cannot afford their services will not get help on any of the aforementioned issues. This means that students from low and middle income homes will be at an even greater disadvantage. The notion of two Irelands is becoming apparent. The Labour Party used to have a slogan, "one Ireland", even if its Ireland stopped at the Border. We are not seeing the emergence of a sense of one Ireland. We are seeing two Irelands, namely, those at the bottom and the rest of us.

I appeal to the House to support this motion in order to ensure our young people have the support they need to reach their educational potential. It is time for the Minister to accept he has made another mistake and correct it. Impím ar Theachtaí eile, go háirithe ar Pháirtí an Lucht Oibre, tacaíocht a thabhairt do dhaoine óga agus vótáil ar son an rúin. Ná deanaigí an gníomh seo.

During my contribution on DEIS schools, I recalled the seanfhocal, mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí. We should not set aside the wisdom of our ancestors to follow a course that will heap further disadvantage on our society.

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