§ 34. Mr. LYNCHasked the Chief Secretary whether he will consider the advisability of promoting assistant teachers in National schools to the second grade on the same conditions as apply to principals; and whether steps will be taken accordingly?
§ Mr. DUKEUnder the existing rules assistant teachers are not eligible for promotion beyond the third grade unless in exceptional circumstances the Board of National Education make special Order. Principal teachers have claims to promotion on account of their position which 791 assistant teachers have not, and no comparison between the conditions of promotion of the two classes of teachers is equitable without consideration of the other aspects of the question. The promotions of principal teachers are regulated by rule; the special promotions of assistant teachers are made for exceptional cases, and very high qualifications are therefore insisted on.
§ Mr. LYNCHMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will take into sympathetic consideration the question of the status of teachers in Ireland, and do what he can to raise their status?
§ Mr. DUKEIt is a very large question, and I am as well satisfied as the hon. Member would be that when it is practically possible to take steps in that direction, they ought to be taken without any unnecessary delay.