Worrying times: an investigation into the ramifications of the removal of the ex-quota allocation for guidance counselling in seven post-primary schools in the east of Ireland

The overarching aim of this research was to examine guidance counsellors’ experiences of the removal of the ex-quota allocation for guidance counselling in the Irish post-primary sector post Budget 2012. As the researcher’s original study (Connor, 2013) examined the same topic, this follow-on investigation specifically focussed on the two areas of professionalism and the role of guidance counsellors and the wellbeing of practitioners in current practice. Similar to Connor (2013) an interpretivist paradigm underpins the current study. Semi-structured interviews were held with seven qualified practitioners in the East of Ireland to examine their perceptions and experiences of the allocation removal on their professional role, the services they provide to students, and the overall guidance profession. The findings indicate that some confusion still exists within the Irish post-primary sector about the meaning of ‘appropriate’ guidance as articulated in the Education Act, 1998. In addition, there appears to be a significant gap between policies from the Department of Education and Skills (DES) relating to a Whole-School Approach (WSA) to guidance and current practice in post-primary schools. The findings also identify some uncertainty about the service provided by guidance counsellors in the school system. Finally, a lack of a coordinated response from the DES and Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) to help practitioners deal with the increased workload and pressures resulting from the Budget 2012 allocation removal is highlighted. This research study can contribute to policy and practice within post-primary guidance counselling as it provides insights into the ramifications of the Budget 2012 allocation removal on the profession of guidance counselling, individual practitioners and services to pupils. The investigation concludes with a series of recommendations relating to the role of guidance counsellors in the post-primary sector since Budget 2012, stakeholder’s attitudes towards post-primary guidance counselling and professional wellbeing amongst guidance counsellors in 2014.