Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In September 2012 and again in September 2013, the Institute of Guidance Counsellors initiated research and conducted a national audit into current practice in guidance and counselling. The institute feared that, while all students would be affected by the changes, disadvantaged and vulnerable students would suffer the most. The audit revealed a worrying trend in our schools whereby many young people cannot access guidance counsellors when they most need their assistance. There has been an alarming reduction of 51.4% in the time made available for one-to-one counselling. The Minister referred to group counselling, but in the context of the current economic situation and the various social problems that arise, it is imperative that one-to-one counselling is emphasised. The audit also highlighted an overall reduction of 21.4% in the service, with significant variations among types of schools, and an increase in the teaching of academic subjects on the part of guidance counsellors. We clearly have a disjointed service.

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