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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Secondary Teachers and Bonus Payments.

asked the Minister for Education if he will state the number of (a) religious, (b) lay teachers in secondary schools to whom a bonus has been granted recently, distinguishing between male and female teachers in each case; whether he is aware that the bonus was given only to teachers whose salary is less than £390 per annum; and, if so, whether in effect most of the married teachers with long service have been excluded; and whether, in the circumstances, he is prepared to extend the bonus to all married teachers in secondary schools.

The numbers of teachers in secondary schools to whom the emergency bonus has been granted are as follows:—

Men (religious)

217

Men (lay)

236

Women (religious)

472

Women (lay)

265

The bonus is payable to recognised teachers whose total salary is less than £398 17s. 0d. per annum, and it is not possible to extend the award to teachers in receipt of a salary in excess of that figure. My Department has no information as to the number of teachers in these schools who are married, and I am, therefore, unable to say how many married teachers do not receive the bonus.

Is the Minister aware that the maximum salary which a married teacher can receive is £410 a year and that a considerable number of teachers are in receipt of the maximum salary and have as long as 30 years' service and as many as seven children? Having regard to the fact that the £ has depreciated by almost 50 per cent., as compared with its prewar value, will he not reconsider the attitude of his Department in relation to this section of teachers, undoubtedly suffering an unfair burden and unequal hardship because of the circumstances which I have indicated?

It would be extremely difficult—I think, impossible—to deal specially with one particular section of public servants. It is because the limit of remuneration which I have mentioned applies to other classes of public servant that it has not been found possible to make an exception in this or any other particular case.

Is there not the same justification, as where similar hardship exists in respect of other branches of the public service, to grant a bonus Order?

That question should be addressed to the Minister for Finance.

Is it not definitely agreed that the difference between the maximum sum which would entitle a person to a bonus and the maximum salary obtained is only £12? Surely the Minister recognises that there is a case here for reconsideration?

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