§ MR. FFRENCHTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of 1694 Ireland whether he is aware that dissatisfaction prevails amongst the Irish national teachers regarding the vagueness of Rule 104a, which it is believed may retard promotion and receipt of increment; whether there are office regulations that may have the same effect, the nature of which have never been explained to teachers and managers; if the inspectors' Reports have any bearing on these matters; what is the precise character of the Reports which would entitle teachers to increments in Grade III., Grade II., and Grade I. (2), respectively, and which would entitle teachers to promotion from each of these grades to the next higher.
§ (Answered by Mr. Bryce.) Rule 104a is as follows:—104a. Promotion from a lower to a higher grade, and from the second to the first section of the highest grade, depends on (i.) training; (ii.) position in school; (iii.) ability and general attainments;(iv.) good service; (v.) seniority. The Commissioners of National Education inform me that there are no office regulations on the subject. They say that, of course, the inspector's Reports on the efficiency of the teacher have an important bearing on the teacher's promotion, but the question of promotion is not determined on these Reports alone. The other matters referred to in the rule are also taken into account. To warrant promotion to the first grade a higher standard of efficiency must be shown than would warrant promotion to the second and similarly in the case of good service increments within the grades.