§ MR. J. DALY (Monaghan, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, if he is aware that National School Teachers in Ireland, who are classed as first class only, get the pay of third class when teaching in the same schoolroom with a principal; if be is also aware that teachers who get only third class pay when teaching with a principal get first class pay if teaching under same roof, only occupying a separate apartment; and, if he will take steps to have class salaries paid irrespective of whether teachers occupy separate schoolrooms?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe teachers to whom this question relates are evidently assistant teachers in ordinary National schools, who are not paid class salaries but fixed salaries. Their status is quite subordinate to that of the principal teachers, and their responsibilities correspondingly limited. It is true that several assistant teachers have attained to the first class, but this gives 22 them no claim to class salary until such time as they may be promoted, on the occurrence of vacancies, to the position of principal; and when so promoted, either in the same school or in another school under the same roof, salary would forthwith be paid to the promoted teacher according to class.
§ MR. DALYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it is discouraging to first class teachers that they should only be paid third class salaries?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That is a question of opinion.