asked the Minister for Education whether he thinks a meeting of all teachers' organisations should be called by him so that growing discontent relating to salaries can be averted; and whether he has under consideration any initiative in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teachers' Salaries.
10.
I do not accept that there is growing discontent in relation to teachers' salaries. In fact, the proposals put forward by me in July last have been accepted by all groups of teachers with the exception of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland. The joint scheme of conciliation and arbitration provides the necessary machinery for all teaching groups to have whatever points of view they may wish to put forward discussed. Nothing would be gained by seeking to adopt the suggestion made in the Deputy's question.
Have there been any recent communications between the ASTI and the Minister concerning his proposals? I am concerned that a policy of drift may develop.
No, not to my knowledge, but a communication has been addressed to both the managerial authorities of the secondary schools and the ASTI asking them to attend a meeting on 17th of this month to discuss the establishment of posts of responsibility in these schools.
Will the Minister agree that even where one group of teachers is dissatisfied, as appears to be the case, there are dangers for the entire educational system? Does the Minister agree that this matter must be settled at the earliest opportunity and the claims of these teachers met so that at least some kind of order and security can be given to parents about their children's education during the next year?
The question relates to salaries.
The Deputy is aware that during the past 12 months I have met various groups of teachers and discussed this matter with them. I had all expert advice available to me from both inside and outside my Department but I failed to find a satisfactory solution. It was finally necessary for me to formulate my own proposals which I did. I sent these proposals to the various teaching bodies and I am at the moment implementing them.