asked the Minister for Education whether he is yet in a position to carry out the scheme referred to in the statement of his predecessor of the 13th March last to confer on teachers of primary subjects in industrial schools the status, emoluments, and privileges of national teachers; and, if not, when he expects to be able to implement the promise made on that occasion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teachers in Industrial Schools.
As I informed the Deputy on the 8th November last this matter has been under consideration. The Government's final decision upon it will depend on the financial position as it will reveal itself at the end of this month and when the Budget for the coming year is under examination.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does that mean that, if I put down a question in, let us say, about a month's time, the Minister will be in a position to say something more definite on this matter?
I think it would be a little more than a month's time.
Well, let us say in about two months' time?
Yes, in or about the time of the Budget.
Am I to understand from the Minister's reply that, owing to financial stringency, he is not now in a position to carry out the scheme referred to by his predecessor or to admit the justice of the claim acknowledged by his predecessor?
The financial position is such that we do not like to enter into any new expenditure at the moment.
Not even for education?
Oh, now!
Higher education!