Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On the Deputy's observation on the lack of figures at this point in the academic year, this is not confined to higher level education. It is also a problem at primary and second level. Our system is partially computerised and partially manual. We are dependent on the individual institutions returning data to us. In my view, this has not been satisfactory. I propose to take another look at this in the context of reform of the third level sector but it will also need to be done in the primary and second level sectors. For example, in response to a query to post-primary schools, the free voluntary sector, in regard to whether they operated book lending programmes, the response was poor. In terms of the information we can get for the Deputy, we are dependent on the active co-operation of the relevant institutions. I am not satisfied with the speed of the reply either.

The Deputy's reference to the decimation of the profession of guidance counsellors is somewhat extreme. The fact that guidance counsellors have been mainstreamed and are subject to redeployment by the principal, as distinct from their being ex quota, has caused disquiet among some guidance counsellors. There has also been a reaction to the recent health document published by myself and the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, which provides that the well-being of the school population, including the mental health of students, some of whom may ultimately be suicidal, is the concern of the entire school community and not only guidance counsellors. This appears to be viewed by some guidance counsellors as an intrusion into their professional area. It is our view - I strongly support the group's conclusions - that the well-being of students is of concern to everybody. This matter was raised during Leaders' Questions this morning.

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