asked the Minister for Education whether he has any proposals for the settlement of the dispute, on the question of the inadequate salaries now being paid, between his Department and the national school teachers; and, further, if he will state whether it is proposed to appoint, or to accept the offer of, an outside body to arbitrate in the dispute.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Teachers' Salary Dispute.
The dispute between my Department and the national school teachers does not concern the scales of salary now paid but new and very much improved scales which it was proposed to pay but which were rejected by the teachers' organisation. The position of the Government has been clearly stated already and the only proposal I can make is that, in the interests of all parties, the teachers should decide to terminate this ill-advised strike at the earliest possible date. With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question the Government does not regard the issue in dispute as one which lends itself to arbitration and the answer is, therefore, in the negative.
In view of the disastrous results that must follow the prolonged closing of the schools, will the Minister not give the House some opportunity of discussing the matter? Dublin Deputies are keenly interested in the fact that there are 40,000 school children receiving no attention at the present time. We ask that the House shall be given an opportunity to discuss the matter. It is our duty as much as the Minister's. When may we have an opportunity of discussing this matter? Will the Minister not give the House an opportunity of discussing the present dispute between his Department and the teachers involving 40,000 children in the City of Dublin? I think it is a matter on which the Minister should be more frank with Deputies.
Question 19.
Am I not to get an answer to my question?
That does not depend on the Chair.
Why is he so silent on the matter?
He is on strike.
I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the adjournment of the House. The House is entitled to know what is going on.