Meeting with Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, Simon Harris

Our Vice President, Catriona Rodgers, and South Dublin/ Wicklow National Executive Representative, Aideen Lyster, met with Minister Harris and his team, on Thursday 28^th September in Leinster House. Minister Harris extended this invitation to President Tadhg Crowley and Vice President Catriona Rodgers when they presented him with the IGC’s pre-budget submission at the launch of Tertiary Degrees in August. The meeting was very well received, with Minister Harris and his team expressing commitment and willingness to engage on the following points:

1. Improved Pupil Teacher Ratio for Guidance at Second Level and Further Education.
   See table below. Many colleges of further education receive a guidance allocation similar to that at second level. Any improvement at second level must be replicated at further education.

PTR Non DEIS	Ratio*	PTR DEIS	Ratio*
Current Ratio	18.4	583 to 1	17.65	249 to 1
Advocated Ratio	18	350 to 1	17.25	190
*Ratio is number of students per full guidance counsellor (22 hours)

2. Commitment to the Holistic model of Guidance Counselling in FET. Some members of FET have experienced significant changes to practice in colleges of further education in particular, with little or no consultation.  Minister Harris supported the IGC’s assertion that the Holistic model of guidance counselling must be maintained in FET, for the benefit of users.
3. Improved pathways for learners with Additional Education Needs. The Minister supports the development of pathways for learners with AEN, in particular in the FET sector. The IGC welcomes the opportunity to collaborate.
4. Review of new Qualifax website. The IGC representatives communicated in the strongest terms that many members were unhappy with the lack of user accounts and interest assessment. There was commitment to further investigation on the inclusion of these tools.
5. Discussion of new single portal framework and inclusion of the IGC as key stakeholders. The IGC has been invited to participate in the development of a single portal for guidance counselling. Minister Harris and his team acknowledge the key change to the framework arising from our feedback to allow for the inclusion of the holistic model of guidance counselling.
6. Further development of apprenticeship pathways and adequate resourcing of opportunities for learners. Potential employers to be encouraged to register online.
7. The further development and expansion of tertiary degrees nationwide and into different sectors. If any member has any particular insight on this, please email vpres@igc.ie We encourage our members to engage with their local politicians and T.D.’s to help raise awareness of these issues especially items 2, 3 and 4 above.

Thank you for all your engagement and work on these matters.

Warm regards

Catriona Rodgers,
Vice President