The Employee Assistance Service, which was announced by the Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin TD, at the Irish National Teachers Organisation's national congress on Tuesday, will be available to both primary and post-primary teachers.

Its objective is to act as a confidential counselling, referral and support service for some 55,000 registered teachers employed in recognised primary and postprimary schools throughout the Republic of Ireland. The counselling will deal with issues such as health, relationships, addictions, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incidents and trauma.

?We can all face problems in our lives that make it difficult to do our jobs to the best of our abilities, " said Minister Hanafin. ?Problems such as family issues, ill health, alcoholism, bereavement and stress can affect any of us.

This new service will support the personal welfare of the individual teacher."

Tenders are now being sought for the provision of the service and the tender process is expected to last six weeks.

Addressing the wider issue of under-performing teachers, the minister said the perception that the problem is ignored and even tolerated is doing a disservice to both school children and teachers.

?It must be said that the vast majority of the 55,000 teachers in this country are excellent at their jobs and I believe that this is widely accepted by the public, " she said. ?While very few of us can remember a major national or world event when we were seven, nine or 11, we all remember that special teacher who encouraged us and had a hugely positive influence on our lives. But , , let's be honest , , we also remember those who struggled in the classroom."

Minister Hanafin also promised wider access to classroom management training for teachers who are having difficulties.