Cuts to guidance counsellors top of agenda at ASTI conference

Cuts to guidance counsellors was top of the agenda at the ASTI conference today.

Union members also heard they may be balloted on withdrawing from the Croke Park agreement - if teachers allowances are cut.

General Secretary Pat King told around 450 delegates in Cork - that allowances should not be touched.

Mai Kerins is a guidance such counsellor at Ashton school in Blackrock in Cork - she said that students need their services for advice on what to do after second level:

"…I think the role of guidance counsellors to give them the confidence that there is money there, go away and get a student grant, to encourage them to go on", she said.

"…the more educated you are, the better educated you are, the better chance you have as an individual of getting a job".