asked the Minister for Education if he will consider recognising the experience of Irish nationals who, having trained as teachers and having taught in Great Britain, return to this country and wish to continue their profession.

I assume the Deputy's question relates to the giving of incremental credit to teachers generally in respect of service given in Great Britain.

The arguments for and against such an arrangement have been considered under the teachers' conciliation and arbitration machinery and may be so considered again at the request of any of the interested parties.

I should prefer not to express a definite view on a matter which might be the subject of a recommendation to me by a conciliation council.