§ 70. Mr. P. MEEHANasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that, owing to the increase in the cost of living caused by the War, the present salaries payable to national teachers in Ireland, at no time extravagant, are totally inadequate to meet their current expenses and that many teachers with families are verging on actual want; and whether, under the circumstances, an increase in salaries or grants will be made to Irish national teachers to enable them to live at least in a self-respecting manner befitting public servants entrusted with the education of a nation?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am aware of the difficulties with which national school teachers, in common with other classes of the community, are faced in consequence of the present high cost of living, but I regret that under present conditions I am not in a position to recommend general increases of salaries.
§ Mr. MEEHANHas the right hon. Gentleman any hope of getting the scheme for the payment of salaries monthly approved by the Treasury?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have made proposals of that kind before the teachers, and I have urged them to accept them. I think it is most desirable for the teachers to accept them, and, although they do entertain them favourably, I have not yet received from the teachers any acceptance of the proposal.