§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the basic entitlement for sick teachers to full pay has not been nationally increased since 1926.
§ Mr. Peter MillsSick leave entitlement for teachers in Northern Ireland was reviewed in 1947 when new arrangements broadly comparable to the present provisions were introduced. The question of sick leave entitlement is a matter for consideration in the first instance by the Standing Committee on Teachers' Salaries. Although it is open to either the teachers' or employers' side at any time to ask the committee to discuss these arrangements no proposals for their alteration have74W been put forward since 1969, when a scheme of sick leave entitlement for full-time temporary teachers was introduced.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in view of the fact that teachers in Northern Ireland who are ill are at a serious disadvantage financially when compared with teachers holding similar appointments in England and Wales, if he will take the appropriate action.
§ Mr. Peter MillsI would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 25th October to a Question from the hon. Member for Antrim, North (Rev. Ian Paisley)—[Vol. 861, c.579.].
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement about the delays being experienced in introducing the model scheme for sick pay for teachers in Northern Ireland and on any arrangements he is making for back pay for those career teachers who have been on half pay during illness for any length of time since 4th January 1973 when his Department first received a request for parity with England on this matter.
§ Mr. Peter MillsThis matter was raised in January 1973 by a teacher who was advised to take it up with the Teachers' Salary Council. The council has now asked for this item to be on the agenda for the next meeting of the Standing Committee on Teachers' Salaries. The Northern Ireland Ministry of Education, which makes regulations governing this matter, will give careful consideration to any recommendation which the committee may make.