HC Deb 18 December 1916 vol 88 cc1110-2
28. Mr. DEVLIN

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the monitors and monitresses in Irish national schools are paid a small salary as a contribution towards their upkeep, and of the fact that the value of this salary has largely depreciated owing to the increased cost of living, he will take steps to see that the amount of the salary is increased during the War?

Mr. DUKE

I cannot add anything to my answer on Thursday last to the hon. Member's question on this subject.

29. Mr. DEVLIN

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is now in a position to state the result of the consultations between the various Departments with reference to the dismissal of assistant teachers and the reduction of grade salary of principal teachers owing to the condition of average attendance of pupils; and whether the application of the Commissioners of National Education for power to suspend during the War period the operation of rules requiring a withdrawal or reduction of salaries of teachers consequent upon a decline in the attendance of pupils has been granted?

Mr. DUKE

I cannot at present add anything to my reply to the hon. Member's question on Thursday last.

Mr. DILLON

May we not hope soon to have the answer of the Department on this question, which is becoming extremely urgent in Ireland?

Mr. DUKE

The matter is being attended to with all possible urgency.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman impress upon the Board of Education that it should set itself to the matter, which practically affects the existence of many assistant teachers in Ireland?

Mr. DUKE

The matter will be further dealt with. It is not either overlooked or neglected.

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman press the matter on the Treasury?

Mr. DUKE

I will press it in every quarter in which pressure can be used.

Mr. P. MEEHAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Viceregal Commission on Education has made written recommendations in connection with this matter, and will he see that they are carried out?

Mr. DUKE

I have not those recommendations in my mind.