asked the Minister for Education whether the rates of maintenance allowances sanctioned by him for vocational teachers who are compelled to travel in the discharge of their duties are those fixed more than 20 years ago, varying from 6/6 to 8/-for a period of 32 hours' absence from headquarters according to the number of nights during which a teacher is away; and whether, in view of the fact that these allowances no longer bear any relation to the hotel or lodging expenses actually incurred, he will now authorise increased scales based on the charges at present ruling.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vocational Teachers' Maintenance Allowances.
The rates of maintenance allowances payable to vocational education teachers have been in force since 1920 and are related to periods of absence of 24 hours from the teacher's headquarters. The question of increased allowances has been under consideration by my Department for some time but owing to the need for economy due to the restricted funds available to the vocational education committees it has not been found feasible to approve of any increase hitherto.
Under the Vocational Education (Amendment) Act, 1944, additional funds may be available to the committees from 1st April, 1945, and, accordingly, I propose to have the present rates of maintenance allowance revised, and to approve of the payment of increased rates as from the date mentioned and until further notice. The revised rates will be communicated to the vocational education committees at an early date.