asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the present position regarding the secondary teachers' strike.
58.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Secondary Teachers' Strike.
57.
asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware of the large number of secondary teachers who are leaving the country to work abroad; and that many may not return; and if he will now take all steps open to him to bring the present dispute to an early solution.
59.
asked the Minister for Education what progress has been made concerning the present dispute over the secondary teachers' remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 58 and 59 together.
As Deputies are already aware a revised offer was made at conciliation to secondary teachers. As this offer is at present being considered by them I would not wish to comment further on the matter except to express the desire that there will be an early resumption of classes.
May we take it that there will be no further statement made in West Clare tomorrow?
That does not help, Deputy.
If it is not suitable for discussion in Dáil Éireann, it is not suitable for discussion in West Clare.
That does not help.
Help, my foot.
60.
asked the Minister for Education whether as a result of the secondary teachers strike he will postpone the dates of this year's leaving and intermediate certificate examinations.
This is a matter which could not be considered until classes have been resumed and the necessary discussions with the school authorities have taken place.
Bearing in mind the fact that so much time will have been lost by the pupils concerned, if a pupil does not succeed in his examination later this year we might have the difficult situation in which the pupil could, in fact, bring a legal action against the Minister or the school authorities for not providing education up to the period. Therefore, I would suggest that whatever settlement is reached, we should postpone these examinations.
The Deputy and the House can take it that this immediate matter will be the first to command my attention on the resumption of school work.