HC Deb 15 March 1917 vol 91 cc1283-4
11. Sir J. LONSDALE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been directed to a resolution adopted by the Armagh County Council and other public bodies in Ireland expressing the opinion that out of the Grant of £40,000 for the improvement of the position of lay teachers in intermediate schools in Ireland no money should be paid to any school in excess of the sum actually paid by that school to such teachers, and that any money not so expended should be used as the nucleus of a pension fund for secondary lay teachers; and if the scheme for the distribution of this Grant will be modified in accordance with this resolution?

Mr. DUKE

The resolution referred to has been received. The Grant will be distributed for the financial year now expiring under the existing rules. The suggestion of my hon. Friend will be considered.

14. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the fact that the Dill Commission recommended some relaxation of the conditions governing the promotion of assistant teachers, he will urge on the Commissioners of National Education the desirability of promoting all assistant teachers who have obtained the merit marks of good for three consecutive years since reaching the maximum salary of their grade, and who have also a considerable length of efficient service to their credit?

Mr. DUKE

I have not been able to obtain any confirmation of the suggestion that the Dill Commission recommended some relaxation of the conditions governing the promotion of assistant teachers. On the general question, I would refer the hon. Member to a detailed answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for the Harbour Division of Dublin.

Mr. LYNCH

With respect to the Regulations, will the right hon. Gentleman look into the matter again, on the ground that this gives an opportunity for improving the status of these teachers without legislation and not extra regulations?

Mr. DUKE

I will certainly have the report and documents carefully examined. I had an examination made, with the result given in my answer.