§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)I desire to ask the Secretary to the Treasury a Question of which I have given him private notice, which is of an urgent character, in order to prevent misapprehension arising in a matter which has excited great public interest in Ireland. I notice that in the Irish Education Estimate for the year, published this morning, there is an item down of an increpse of £26,000 in respect of principals, assistants, and so forth in Irish national and model schools Is that not merely a normal increase and entry, is there no provision in the Estimates for the substantial increase in the salaries of teachers in national schools winch has been more than once promised during the last year.
§ MR. RUNCIMANYes, Sir, the hon. Member is quite right in assuming that the £26,000 is the normal increase for the year. The exact figures for the increase in the teachers' salaries were not agreed upon at the time we had to go to Press with the Estimates. We shall provide for a very substantial increase, very much more than the £26,000 referred to, and we shall take measures during the session, by a Supplementary Estimate or otherwise, to provide funds for the purpose.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDThen I understand you will introduce a Supplementary Estimate. May I ask the hon. Gentleman will he introduce it at an early portion of the session in order to make sure that the increment in the salaries will take effect this year.
MR. EUNCIMANIf a Supplementary Estimate is necessary we will bring it in early, as we are anxious that the increase shall take effect as soon as possible.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDIs it possible to make this increase without an Estimate passed by this House?
§ MR. RUNCIMANThe substantial increase will be made, but I cannot tell the hon. Gentleman right off the method. He may rest assured that we do intend that the increase shall take place at the earliest possible moment.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDIn a fortnight's time I shall ask the hon. Gentleman a Question as to the amount.