Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state the number of national school teachers in Ireland who, though ineligible for promotion, have not yet received their triennial increment due since 16th July?
§ Mr. CHERRYAs I pointed out in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for the Ossory Division on 4th May last, the award of increments to teachers is a process going on continuously in the office of the Commissioners of National Education, and there are always hundreds of cases pending. This year being the close 1739 of the triennial period, the number of cases to be dealt with is very large. The Commissioners inform me that the claims are being considered and paid as promptly as possible.
§ Mr. SLOANCan the right hon. Gentleman state whose fault it is that the money due for months to the teachers cannot be paid until questions are asked in this House?
§ Mr. CHERRYI am not aware that the fact is as stated.
Captain CRAIGMay I inform the right hon. Gentleman that since I put this question on the Paper a great number have been paid from whom this increment has been kept for months and months past?
§ Mr. CHERRYCertainly; questions put in the House have frequently a stimulating effect.