Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

These are two important initiatives, but at the same time the Minister has removed €32 million which was specifically dedicated for guidance counsellors. While they did not play the only role in a school, they had a key role in liaising with students with particular difficulties with regard to mental health or bullying. The Minister is absolutely correct that everyone in the school needs to play their role, and it is important we support principals and teachers and provide training for them, but taking these measures at the same time as removing €32 million funding from those specifically trained does not add up or makes sense. The Minister is taking a very wrong approach. I ask the Minister to respond to this and explain how he can match this approach with his aim to try to improve child and adolescent mental health and deal with bullying.

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