asked the Minister for Education if it is intended to allow incremental salary credits to both lay and clerical teachers returning to teaching posts in Ireland from similar posts abroad, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

This matter has been the subject of discussion at the Conciliation Council for Teachers and I am awaiting an Agreed Report from the Council.

I am precluded by the terms of the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme from commenting on the matter in detail before the Agreed Report is made available.

I think I can tell the Deputy, however, that a favourable outcome is expected.

Can I take it that the Minister is in favour and has recommended the position where lay and clerical teachers returning from teaching posts abroad should not be discriminated against because of the countries they were teaching in? On their return to Ireland will they in future get their incremental service credited?

I will let the Deputy in on a little secret. I went on a deputation to the Department of Education many years ago pleading this case. I hope to be in a position to do something about it.

Leaving the past behind us, will the Minister do something about it?

As the terms of my reply indiciated, as soon as we have an agreed report from the conciliation council we will be in business.

Will the Minister contact me on the outcome?

Yes.