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

Has the Department carried out an assessment on the impact this is having in schools? The Department has an obligation to ensure schools are equipped to provide a counselling service to students. Earlier, I referred to the survey by the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, which outlined the cut to one to one hours in particular. Have the Department and the Minister engaged with schools to find out what is the reality? This cannot be stood over as there is more pressure than ever on students and they require a service to be provided by professional guidance counsellors. This is very important but it has been drastically reduced. I urge the Minister to prioritise reinstating resources to allow schools provide this service. What actions has the Minister taken to assess the damage this cut has done? Without admitting and assessing the damage, faith in the Minister's intention to restore the service will be diminished.

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