Guidance counsellors vital for students

AS a member of a profession which is now in danger of extinction, I feel it is necessary to highlight some of the detrimental consequences of the recent proposal by the Minister for Education and Skills to end the work of the guidance counsellor in second-level schools.

A profession which has been in existence for over 40 years is about to disappear in September 2012, while many parents are unaware of the fact that the allocation of “appropriate guidance” to students is a requirement under the Education Act of 1998. Since the nature of our work is largely confidential, the subtlety of its delivery often goes unnoticed. Issues which adolescents might find difficult to discuss with others, including parents, are treated with the utmost care, concern and above all, the necessary skill which the professionally trained and experienced guidance counsellor possesses. There is no substitute for this level of expertise. While the minister may chortle and protest that he is “out of practice” this is one mistake which will have extensive ramifications for generations of students.

The 1982 attempt to introduce VAT on children’s shoes was a serious blunder by a Fine Gael-Labour coalition. This ill-judged and ill-advised decision to dilute or withdraw an invaluable service such as guidance and counselling will add to the list. As a guidance counsellor in a DEIS school, I am disheartened to see that once again, the disadvantaged will be victimised as only those who have the financial wherewithal to opt for a private career consultation will have the opportunity to assess their child’s suitability for a certain career. Already, recruitment firms are offering career advice to parents of school-leavers, encouraging course choice which may suit the needs of their clients but might be ill-suited to the young person making the decision. The minister fails to understand that career counselling is an intricate and complex process which takes time and patience and a deep sense of regard for the needs of the student. The consequences of its absence or dilution in a school will invariably find expression in the social, emotional, psychological and economic repercussions which will ensue. In the long run, this cost will far outweigh the valuable work he is now proposing to terminate.