Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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337.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the collaborations in place, if any, between third-level institutions and secondary schools to aid the transition of students moving from Irish speaking schools, particularly students from Gaeltacht areas, to third-level studies. [25375/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is not directly involved in collaborations between individual post-primary schools and third-level institutions in relation to preparing students for the transition to further or higher education. However, Section 9(c) of the Education Act (1998) states that a school shall use its available resources to “ensure that students have access to appropriate guidance to assist them in their educational and career choices”. Guidance in schools incorporates educational, career, personal and social guidance delivered within a whole-school context, to include the role of all teachers and the specialised role of the guidance counsellor. Provision of guidance in the post-primary sector involves planning for, and delivering, a range of learning experiences provided in a developmental sequence that assist students to develop self-management skills, which will lead to effective choices and decisions about their lives, including possible progression to further or higher education.

A Whole School Guidance (WSG) programme is outlined within each school’s WSG plan. It lists the range of learning and support activities provided within the school in order to meet the guidance needs of the school community (students and parents) along a continuum (guidance for all, for some and for few). The guidance programme will differ from school to school as it will be designed to meet the needs of students and parents in each community. The particular context and experiences of students in Irish-medium and Gaeltacht schools can be considered as part of this programme.

The guidance programme will often include activities that will support students with information and knowledge about third level institutions. It may often focus on transitions and students may be provided with multiple opportunities to explore, experience and ask questions about any personal/social/educational and career decision/opportunity they may encounter.

In summary, guidance provision is different in every school. Whole School Guidance Programmes and Plans are designed in line with the needs of each school community, including those of Irish-medium and Gaeltacht schools.