In 2002, the Department of Education and Science requested NCGE to convene a committee to examine the implications of Section 9 (c) of the Education
Act (1998), relating to students’ “access to appropriate guidance”. The Education Act (1998) also requires schools, as part of the overall School Development Plan, to form a comprehensive guidance plan, taking into account the needs of students, available resources and contextual factors (Section 21).

Findings from the Audit on Guidance in Post-Primary Schools, conducted by NCGE in 1999-2000, revealed that only 14% of schools had a whole school development plan and of these 75% made reference to guidance.

The Committee, consisting of representatives of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, the Department of Education and Science and NCGE, commenced discussions in February 2002 and invited submissions from relevant professionals on the main issues involved. It made its recommendations to the Department in June 2003 and subsequently a draft document was sent by the Department to all post-primary schools for consultation.

The document was then amended to reflect the many views expressed in the submissions received and the Guidelines for Second Level Schools on the Implications of Section 9 (c) of the Education Act (1998) was published
by the Department in July 2005. Click here to download the Guidelines

Membership

Membership of the Committee consisted of the following representatives:
Kathleen Brennan (DES)
Niamh Mernagh (DES)
Breeda Coyle (IGC)
Brian Mooney (IGC)
Ed Riordan and Linda Darbey (NCGE) held the positions of Chairperson and Secretary respectively.

Further Information:

Department of Education and Science Circular PPT12/05 on Guidance Provison in Second Level Schools