asked the Minister for Education whether teaching service in the North of Ireland by graduates of the National University of Ireland is recognised for incremental purposes in the Republic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Recognition of Teaching Service.
39.
Incremental credit up to a maximum of five years is given to teachers, whether graduates of NUI or not, in respect of teaching service given in or after the school year 1962-63 in approved schools in the North of Ireland provided such service was given subsequent to the teacher acquiring the necessary qualification to teach.
Did the Minister say since 1962?
1962-63.
What was the reason before that date?
This was an agreement entered into at conciliation.
Is it not the case that teachers teaching in missionary training colleges, both lay and clerical, have been given credit for such service? Is that not the case? What is the reason for the discrimination?
There has not been any discrimination.
Does the Minister understand my question?
I did not hear the full question.
Could I repeat it? Is it not the case that, for a very long period, service in missionary colleges and schools has been allowed to persons, lay and clerical, and what is the reason for the discrimination?
The service in missionary schools, I would take it, was service given in undeveloped countries and for this reason special allowance was made.
That may well be the case but, in fact, many of these teachers in undeveloped countries are paid by the British Government.
Question No. 40.
Can the Minister say were any representations made in regard to teachers who served longer periods in the North of Ireland and who protested about the fact that their services there were not recognised for longer periods than five years?
I have not that information here. I shall have to look it up.
The Minister cannot recall any meeting with the teachers' union?
Not on that particular matter.