asked the Minister for Education whether he is now in a position to carry out the scheme referred to in his statement of the 15th February, 1939, 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. - Status of Industrial School Teachers.
I regret that I am not in a position to confer on teachers of literary subjects in industrial schools the status, emoluments and privileges of national teachers nor can I say at the moment when I shall be able to implement the undertaking referred to in the Deputy's question.
Could the Minister by any chance deal with this under the Children Bill?
Indeed he could.
I am sure the Deputy will remember that in May last the Taoiseach explained to the House that, owing to the circumstances arising out of the war, the Minister for Finance was not then in a position to carry out the undertaking. I am not aware that the circumstances have changed so much since that the Minister for Finance may be prepared to alter his view. I wish they had, but I am afraid they have not.
I would ask the Minister to consider whether the position is that the Government have been so spending money that it would break the finances of the State to implement this promise, or, is it the Minister's view, that when Ministers for Education change promises they give break with them?
They may change again, if rumour speaks aright.
Would the Minister say what is the financial sum involved in this question?
The amount stated by the Taoiseach last May was £29,000, approximately.