§ Mr. JOHN O'CONNOR (Kildare, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the now system of teachers' salaries in Ireland operates to the disadvantage of teachers appointed since 1900, whether the initial salaries of such have been decreased, and that the effect of such decrease has been to lower the standard of ability among candidates for the teaching profession; and, if so, whether the system can be at once revised so as to check any deterioration that may have been disclosed.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Commissioners of National Education inform me that since the new system of teachers' salaries was established in 1900, the average salary paid to newly appointed principal teachers has decreased, though there has been an increase in the average salary paid to newly appointed assistant teachers. Precise figures are given in House of Commons Return, No. 286, of 1905. Moreover, the Commissioners are aware that under the new system teachers on first appointment to largo and important schools do not receive incomes proportionate to the importance of the schools, as was the case under the former system. The entire question of revising the teachers' salaries has already engaged the attention of the Commissioners, and is at present under the consideration of the Commissioners and the Irish Government.