§ 24. Mr. LYNNasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the priority of treatment given to English and Scottish educational reform, with the consequent improved conditions of English and Scottish teachers, has resulted in Irish secondary schools losing many of their best teachers; and whether he will, without prejudice to the larger policy of educational reform, take steps to save Irish schools from the loss of these teachers consequent on the favoured treatment of Great Britain?
Mr. HENRYRepresentations in this sense have been made to my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary. The Bill, which it is hoped will place Irish teachers on as good a footing as English and Scottish teachers, will be introduced shortly.
Mr. HENRYMy right hon. Friend is not at present able to give the date on which it will be introduced, as there are a great many matters dealing with Irish affairs which occupy his attention.
§ Mr. LYNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great difficulty that has arisen in Ireland on account of this favoured treatment in Great Britain?
Mr. HENRYMy right hon. Friend is quite aware of that matter, and he will do everything in his power to meet the difficulty.
§ 27. Mr. DEVLINasked whether it is proposed to extend the proposed pension benefits recommended by the Killanin Committee to teachers who have retired. since the appointment of that Committee or to all retired teachers?
Mr. HENRYMy right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary would ask the hon. Member to await the introduction of the Bill.
§ Mr. DEVLINCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any information as to whether these retired teachers will be included in the Bill?