Following spate of tragic teen suicides Ireland launches a school mental health handbook

But major cutbacks on professional guidance counsellors leave some critics scoffing

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Sisters Erin, (13), and Shannon, (15), Gallagher both committed suicide in 2012

Photo by Donegal Daily

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'The guidance counsellor is qualified and certified whereas the classroom teacher is overworked and not an expert in counseling or therapeutic intervention.'

Meanwhile Quinn insisted the new guidelines would be more effective than employing a single guidance counsellor.

'It's the role of parents, it's the role of the health service, and a whole host of others,' he said. 'Guidance counsellors provide guidance in relation to career options and career choices. But they might not necessarily be the first person in the school community to notice a change in the behavior of a pupil that would warrant further scrutiny.'

Quinn announced major cuts to guidance counsel services in the Irish budget of 2012. According to the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, one-to-one work with students has been cut back by 51% since the cuts were imposed.

Earlier this week, Quinn launched a new action plan for schools to tackle bullying in Irish schools. He added that it was time to take action - particularly following the tragic suicides of school girls Erin Gallagher and Ciara Pugsley late last year.

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