HC Deb 01 March 1916 vol 80 cc1055-7
64. Sir THOMAS ESMONDE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will consider the question of granting a war bonus to national school teachers in Ireland, in view of their difficulty of meeting the increased cost of living out of their limited incomes; and if he will accede to their request to have their salaries paid monthly, at least while the War lasts?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

I have considered the subject of the first part of the hon. Member's question, but the difficulty to which he refers is one which affects the rest of the community in common with national teachers, and I fear I can hold out no prospect of a war bonus being granted to meet it. As regards the second part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the question of the hon. Member for the Leix Division of Queen's County on the 28th October last on this subject. I may point out that the loss to the Treasury entailed in making the alteration from quarterly to monthly payments is incurred at once and consequently the suggestion contained in the last part of the question is impossible.

Sir T. ESMONDE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much the loss would amount to?

Mr. BIRRELL

I have gone into it and it is an enormous sum. It would require thirteen payments in one year instead of twelve, and although it could be recouped after a long time at the first start the loss would mean many thousands of pounds.

Mr. P. MEEHAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the married teachers in Ireland are practically on the verge of want? Will he see if anything can be done to give them decent salaries?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am very sorry, but all persons suffer when the cost of living is so greatly increased. I could not deal with the question of the national teachers alone.

Mr. MEEHAN

Should not the people who are entrusted with the education of the youth of Ireland be given a salary on which they can maintain a family with self-respect?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes; I hope that that still continues to be done.

Mr. LYNCH

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into account that this expenditure is a capital sum, and that the interest would come to a very reasonable amount?

Mr. BIRRELL

I can assure the hon Member that I have carried on this discussion with the Treasury for the last eighteen months, and I do not think he can inform me of anything I do not already know.