Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

In the few minutes available to me I wish to record my appreciation and thanks to the guidance counsellors and teachers, throughout the country and particularly in my own constituency, for the work they do for young people. My own children benefitted from the services of guidance teachers and many of my own family are involved in the education system.

While I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, it is a pity the Minister for Education and Skills is not present to hear the views of Members. This is an important subject and his absence is an indication of his lack of understanding. I would have expected him to be here.

The services provided by guidance counsellors are to be decimated. The proposals mean the pupil teacher ratio will be, effectively, increased and subject choice will be narrowed as many schools will have to choose between guidance and other subjects. Approximately 700 schools and 1,000 guidance teachers will be affected by this measure.

The new arrangement will not provide an effective system for students who require guidance, not alone in the educational areas but also in the personal areas of life, where guidance teachers have been excellent in advising and steering young people during their formative years.

I acknowledge the motion and confirm my support for it.

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