asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the fact that the statement made by him on the 26th May, 1948, in which he said that whatever changes in conditions of service or salary were introduced, the teachers would be quite clear with regard to what these were by September, 1949, so that there would be no lag in any change that would then take place (Official Reports, Volume 110, column 2238), clearly implied that any reviewed salary scales would become operative as from September, 1949, and was so understood by the teachers, he will revise his expressed intention of making the revised scales operative as from April, 1950, so as to implement the above undertaking.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teachers' Salary Scales.
My statement of the 26th May, 1948, has not been correctly interpreted. The text of the paragraph referred to shows that I was expressing what I visualised at the time as the probable trend of events and that there was nothing in what I said which could be regarded in the nature of an undertaking. September, 1949, was not mentioned by me as a date from which revised salary scales might be introduced and there was, therefore, no question of implementation as is suggested.
In point of fact, however, a committee to examine and report on teachers' salaries was set up in January, 1949. This, of course, was not the permanent arbitration body which I earlier had in mind, since events have not advanced sufficiently to allow of its establishment.
The Government's proposals, which were formulated after full consideration of the committee's recommendations, were made known in September last as I had hoped they would be. In response to the teachers' representations, and as the ultimate concession which can be made in the matter, the Government have now indicated their willingness to introduce the revised scheme from the 1st January, 1950, as instead of from the 1st April, 1950, as originally proposed. Payment cannot, however, be made until after we have entered on the new financial year.
Will the Minister agree that the interpretation of the statement by the teachers, as indicated in my question, was justified in view of the fact that the same undertaking was given by his predecessor—that is, that the reviewed salary scales would be operative from September, 1949?
I think I have answered that question.
Will the Minister say whether, since the announcement of his proposals, he has had consultation with the representatives of the teachers and, if so, with what result?
I think that is a separate question.