asked the Minister for Education when he intends to recognise teaching service abroad for the purpose of paying incremental salaries to teachers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teaching Service Abroad.
83.
Mr. R. Burke
I desire to refer the Deputy to my reply to a question on the same subject on 25th October, 1973. As the examination of the matter has not been completed, I am not yet in a position to make a statement in regard to it.
Would the Minister like to say what factor is holding up a decision on this matter?
Mr. R. Burke
It is not the goodwill of the Minister for Education that is holding it up.
I am not satisfied with the thinness of the reply. I want to know will the Minister recognise the service and how soon he thinks he will be able to make a decision?
Mr. R. Burke
I am not yet in a position to recognise that service and I am not able to say when I will be able to do so.
Will the Minister agree that when in Opposition he stated——
We cannot have an argument.
This is not an argument, it is a question. Did he not say that if he achieved power he would recognise this service?
Mr. R. Burke
I keep my promises and I am working towards them.
Is the Minister aware that I have several letters from people who are very angry and that it is a matter of integrity with the Minister to back up his promises?
Mr. R. Burke
It is questionable that my integrity is involved. The Deputy knows quite well that, given time, I will deliver my promises.
Giving time is a very dangerous thing.
Mr. R. Burke
I am looking forward to four more years in office.
I am asking the Minister whether he stated that if he came to power he would recognise the service? My post is full of letters.
Mr. R. Burke
I am aware of the letters the Deputy is referring to but I am not yet in a position to give recognition to incremental service abroad. I hope to be able to do so in the near future.