asked the Minister for Education when he will be in a position to recognise appropriate teaching service in foreign countries for incremental salary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Teaching Service.
16.
Mr. R. Burke
I will not be in a position to have consideration of this matter brought to a conclusion until the recent judgment of the Supreme Court has been studied and its implications fully assessed.
Is the Minister saying that he is still using the sub judice umbrella or shield to protect him in this matter?
Mr. R. Burke
No. That does not allow that I was ever using the sub judice umbrella.
Will the Minister answer a straight question? Will he recognise suitable teaching service abroad for teachers in this country?
Mr. R. Burke
There are not moneys available to me in the present Estimate to allow me to do so.
Will the Minister deny that when he was in Opposition he said that all he needed was power in order to grant recognition for service abroad for incremental purposes?
Mr. R. Burke
Yes, but will the Deputy acknowledge that in questions put to my predecessors in 1971 and indeed earlier than that a definite refusal to consider this matter was given?
I realise that his predecessors were consistent in refusing because I was one of the persons who headed a deputation to ask them to do so many years ago. What I am asking now is: did the Minister make a promise and will he deliver on that promise?
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy has already got an expression of my view, that I am on record as being in favour of the extension of incremental credit for worth-while experience gained overseas, but there are severe limitations to one's freedom of action in present circumstances.
Would the Minister agree that there always is a limit on action and that as a man of honour he should now state when he will recognise service abroad for incremental salary purposes?
Mr. R. Burke
That will have to await consideration of the matter when the memorandum comes before me.
Is the Minister saying that he will recognise service?
Mr. R. Burke
Nothing I have said can be taken——
Is the Minister saying he will recognise service abroad when he has considered this document which is about to come to him from the courts?
Mr. R. Burke
The Deputy is wise enough to know that I cannot commit myself in that fashion.
Is the Minister now saying that he is not as sure about the recognition of service abroad as he was when he was in Opposition?
Mr. R. Burke
I am not saying that either.
What is the Minister saying?
Mr. R. Burke
I am saying that I am going to consider the matter when the recent judgment of the Supreme Court has been studied and its implications fully assessed.