Cutbacks in schools have left teachers and principals unable to care for the pastoral needs of their students, including their mental health, a second-level teaching union claims. The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland claims a moratorium on school middle-management posts is undermining supports. The union commissioned a Millward Brown poll of 1,749 teachers and principals. 82% of principals said the moratorium undermines pastoral care structures. Some 40% of principals said Department of Education guidelines on student mental health are not adequately implemented writes Stephen Rogers