§ MR. FLAVINI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he is aware that great disaffection prevails amongst assistant teachers because they do not get their class salaries; (2) whether he will say if their request will be granted by giving them regular class salaries: (3) whether it is a fact that, no matter of what class an assistant teacher may be, he is only entitled to a third-class pension after serving full time; and, (4) whether this grievance will have the attention of the Government with a view of remedying same?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURRepresentations have been made in favour of the payment of salaries to assistant teachers according to their class. In addition to their fixed salaries, with augmentation under the Act of 1892 and bonuses to those classed higher than third-class and of more than five years' service, the assistants have a share in result fees. It is true that a certain number of assistant teachers have attained to the first-class, but this gives 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, salary would be paid according to class. The fact is as stated in the third paragraph; any representations submitted to Government on the subject will have consideration, but I cannot undertake to say that the existing system will be altered.