The potential removal of up to 700 guidance and counselling experts in schools across Ireland could lead to legal action being brought against education establishments, it has been warned.

Deputy president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) Gerry Flynn claimed budget cuts forcing the removal of such experts could be detrimental to schools, the Irish Times reports.

He explained how parents may initiate proceedings if pupils are given inappropriate advice by an unqualified person.

Mr Flynn's comments follow the announcement by Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn that schools will no longer receive a specific allowance for guidance counsellors.

The IGC predicts this will result in hundreds of individuals being forced out of the role, with many likely to return to the classroom as subject teachers.

Founded in 1968, the IGC represents more than 1,200 practitioners in second-level schools, third-level colleges, adult guidance services and private practices.

Written by Donal Walsh

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