Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the amount that was spent on the provision of counselling services at third level in each year for the past five years; the amount that has been allocated for the year 2012/2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36291/12]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a breakdown of the number of full time counsellors that are available in each third level institution; the ratio of counsellors to students in each institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36292/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.

The internal budget allocation between various headings within higher education institutions is a matter for each institution. My Department has no role in this matter and therefore the information sought by the Deputy is not available to the Department.

The Higher Education Authority has put in place an agreed framework with the higher education institutions regarding student services. This framework provides for reporting on expenditure on student services including welfare and guidance (including counselling services) extra-curricular activities, accommodation, childcare etc. It is intended that the report on expenditure on student services will be published annually from 2013 after final audited figures are available.