§ Major KERR-SMILEYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that at the annual conference of the Antrim and Derry County National Teacher's Association a resolution was passed asking the Government to grant a war bonus to pensioned national teachers; if he is aware that many of these retired teachers are in distress, not a few being unable to attend their places of worship on account of their inability to procure respectable dress; and what steps, if any, does the Government propose to take with the view of giving them relief?
§ Mr. SAMUELSThe resolution referred to has been received. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question asked by the then hon. Member for North Leitrim on this subject on the 31st October last, in which it was stated that the principle is one of wide applica-1400W tion, and it is not practicable to consider separately the claims of any particular class of pensioners.
§ Major KERR-SMILEYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is the intention of the Government to extend to national teachers in Ireland the advantages conferred upon the teachers in England by 8 and 9 Geo. V., c. 55; and whether grants will be made to Irish teachers who become incapacitated through infirmity of mind or body?
§ Mr. SAMUELSI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question asked by the then hon. Member for East Mayo on this subject on the 14th November, 1918. Under the existing Regulations provision is made for the award of pensions to national school teachers of at least ten years' service who become incapable from infirmity of mind or body of discharging their duties.