§ Mr. CHARLES CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the principal teacher of Irish national school, Roll No. 13,883, was informed by the Commissioners of National Education on 17th July, 1911, that he had been promoted to the first grade (second section) from 1st April, 1911, for efficient service; that he has not yet received the salary attached to the higher grade which, according to Rule 105 (a), should have been paid on promotion; and whether the satisfactory service given by him since 1st April, 1911, is not allowed to count in awarding his next triennial increment; did this teacher qualify for promotion under Rule 104 (a); was this rule sanctioned by the Lord Lieutenant; and, if so, will he take steps to ensure that the vested rights of this teacher be respected?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that Mr. Joseph Mills, principal teacher of this school, qualified for promotion to the second section of the first grade from 1st April, 1911, under Rule 104 (a) of the Commissioners' Rules, but he cannot receive payment of salary at the rate attached to that grade, nor can his service begin to count towards his next triennial increment until a vacancy occurs. Rule 104 (a), which was approved by the Irish Government and the Treasury, lays down the conditions of promotion, but such cannot take place unless there are vacancies.