§ MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state the standard numbers laid down by the National Board for the different grades of teachers, and whether the Board has the right to increase or decrease these numbers; whether, in view of the fact that the Board has awarded increments for continued good service to some teachers who held a certain classification and received certain reports from inspectors for the past three 285 years, he will explain why they have so far disallowed increments to other teachers holding the same classification, having the requisite average attendance, and having as good, and in some cases better, reports from inspectors.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The number of teachers that may be recognised in each grade above third grade and in each section of the first grade is fixed from time to time by the Commissioners. They do not publish these numbers, nor do they consider it desirable that they should be made public. The standard numbers fixed at present, however, are in excess of the actual number of teachers in the second and first grades, and no teacher has been deprived of promotion on account of these "standard" numbers. The Commissioners have full power, with the concurrence of the Treasury, to change the "standard" numbers from time to time. The Commissioners have not treated any body of teachers exceptionally in regard to increments. If any specific case of alleged grievance is submitted it will be inquired into.
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that, previous to 1900, scholars in the Irish training colleges who had obtained over 65 per cent. at their final (col. 3) examination were ranked as second-class teachers on obtaining appointments as principals of schools; and if the Commissioners of National Education will consider the advisability of reverting to the old system and place in the second grade those teachers who are now principals of schools who obtained more than this percentage at their final examination since 1900, more especially those who have the advantage of having passed through the full course of science as laid down in the new programme.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) I am informed by the Commissioners that, prior to 1900, teachers on leaving training colleges and having passed their final examinations successfully were placed in the second class. Classification of teachers was abolished, however, from the 1st April, 1900, along with the system of promotion by examination. After 286 the 1st April, 1900, all National teachers were divided into three grades These grades do not correspond to the old classes. The class of a teacher was an indication of his attainments as tested by examination, and his class salary did not indicate what his full income from State sources was, but only represented a small portion of his total income. The grade a teacher ranks in indicates the rank to which he has attained by good service and seniority, and his grade salary represents the greater portion of his income from State sources. Under the new system all teachers have to commence work at the lowest step of the ladder—the third grade, and work their way up by good service and efficiency. To act on the suggestion in the Question would be a departure from the principle of the new arrangements, and would entail a very large increase in the Vote for Public Education.