asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that Mr. John Rowan, teacher at St. Columba's Industrial School, Killybegs, County Donegal, lost his employment when his Department took over the school for military purposes; further, if he will state whether Mr. Rowan received any compensation for his loss of employment through the military occupation of the school; and, if so, the amount of such compensation and the basis of its calculation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for County Donegal Teacher.
The Deputy's question appears to refer to Mr. Joseph F. Rowan, teacher at St. Columba's Industrial School, Killybegs, County Donegal. I am aware that he lost his employment when my Department took over the school for military purposes in September, 1940. Mr. Rowan received £15 as compensation for his loss of employment through the military occupation of the school and this amount was calculated on the basis of one month's salary at the rate of £180 per annum. In this connection, I should mention that Mr. Rowan was due to retire in December, 1940.
Is the Minister aware that Mr. Rowan could be still in employment but for the fact that the school was taken over by the military authorities? Is the Minister aware that Mr. Rowan was not due to retire at any particular time, since he was an industrial school teacher, and a number of those have been kept on in the hope of becoming pensionable? Is the Minister aware of that?
No.
Does the Minister consider that £15 compensation for loss of employment, which has now lasted over 13 months, is adequate in the case of this teacher, and will he look into the question and see if a more adequate compensation could be paid?
I shall look into it, but I cannot hold out any hopes.