asked the Minister for Education if he can now give the Dáil his decision on interviews with representatives of the teachers regarding their claim for improved conditions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teachers' Claim.
I have nothing to add at the moment to what the Deputy no doubt already knows from statements in the public Press, viz., that the representatives of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation have intimated that the proposals for improved scales of salary which I made to them on the 16th instant are not acceptable.
Does the Minister not think it desirable before the House adjourns for three months to tell us what the position is with regard to the school teachers in their application for decent terms? Have we to wait to read it in the Press, having no knowledge of it beforehand and no way of questioning what appears in the Press? I think the House should be informed first by the Minister before we adjourn, so that we may have some assurance.
The Deputy may ask a supplementary question.
He is expressing an opinion.
Before the House adjourns, we should get some information regarding the Minister's interview with the teachers' representatives, so that we may know how they received his recommendations and what the results are likely to be.
I do not think it would be suitable to have the matter discussed at the moment. It may be discussed later on, but I feel that no useful purpose could be served by going into the matter further at present.
Is the Minister going to wait, or have the Dáil members to wait until the Dáil adjourns for three months?
The Deputy is repeating his supplementary question.
We are the elected representatives, and should not have to wait to see the report in the newspapers. I hold we are entitled to this information, and that we should be told something before the House adjourns.
The Deputy is not asking a question, but is making a speech.