One of the country’s main teachers’ unions has described as “unthinkable” moves to cut the number of career guidance counsellors in second-level schools.
ASTI general secretary Pat King was responding to a report that the Government was planning to reduce the number of counsellors in next week’s Budget.
Mr King warned the axing guidance counsellors would further decimate the already “paltry” school-based support systems for students.
“It is unthinkable that at a time of high unemployment and when the Government is publicly stating that its number one priority is jobs, an education service which is designed to help young people secure sustainable jobs and careers would be targeted,” he said.
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland also warned that the most vulnerable students would suffer as a result of any cut to guidance service provision.
"Any curtailment of the service will inevitably have a most adverse effect on those at risk students in schools who benefit most from the support framework offered," TUI general secretary Peter MacMenamin said.
More than 700 second-level schools in the State are allocated guidance counsellors under a quota system.
Under a Department of Education proposal, no specific allocation should be made for guidance counsellors.
The proposal will cut the number of guidance hours available to students in schools as well as force some teachers back into the classroom as subject teachers.
The move is highly controversial, given the high rate of suicide – especially among young males – and the increasing need among second-level pupils for guidance and counselling services.
Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn has signalled in recent days he had no alternative but to proceed with the move as he sought a 4 per cent cut in the €9 billion education budget.