Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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307. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills which organisation will be responsible for operating the Leaving Certificate helpline this year; and the estimated cost of same. [34302/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The National Parents and Students Leaving Certificate Helpline is a free phone service provided to Leaving Certificate students and their parents and guardians following release of the Leaving Certificate results each year. The Helpline is professionally delivered by qualified guidance counsellors from the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, who will help reduce stress and anxiety of students, parents and guardians through provision of information and counselling.

The Helpline is supported by the National Parents Council, the Department of Education, the Irish Independent and the Irish Second Level Students Union.

Funding in the amount of €20,000 is provided annually by the Department of Education. Additional private sponsorship may also be applied.