PRESS STATEMENT 20th April 2016

The National Student Executive of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU) is highly concerned in relation to the proposed reallocation of €12 million mental health funds. They are advocating for the reintroduction of guidance counsellors to all second-level schools.Speaking this morning, Rob O’Donnell (President) said;“All efforts should be made to protect every young person within their time in second-level education. The mental health of students is of the utmost concern, and we are deeply concerned with the proposed cutbacks to funding. Guidance counsellors, teachers and school management are already under extreme pressure due to education cutbacks. Adding this cutback will be a huge step backwards in a time when there is wide recognition for the need of adequate nationwide mental health services.”***ENDS***Contact ISSU Main Office 01 443 4461 / communications@issu.ie