Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The progress ranges from the new guidance counsellors, as raised by Senator Ormonde. I recently announced an extra 100 counsellor positions which I am conscious must be targeted at junior cycle students. This is not only from my own experience and teachers, but from delegates to Dáil na nÓg. Many delegates believed most guidance was needed in the transition period between primary and secondary level, rather than fifth or sixth year.

The programme for tackling disadvantage will involve better identification methods and an integrated approach working with families, children and teachers. It will involve examining the provision of libraries, the school completion programme that has encouraged young people to stay in schools, as well as out-of-school measures. The Government's record shows we have prioritised special educational needs and educational disadvantage. We will also continue to make progress in the other areas from investment in postgraduate studies in science and technology to pre-school services.