§ MR. O'REILLYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, If he would inform the House how often an Inspector of National Schools in Ireland is bound to examine the book of religious instruction certificates in order to satisfy himself as to its genuineness; whether he ascertains the genuineness of the signature of the parent or guardian in each case by personal communication with the parent or guardian; and, if not, how; and, whether it is not the fact that improperly signed certificates were at least in one instance discovered by the Royal Commissioners on Primary Education in Ireland, which certificates had not been cancelled or reported by the Inspector?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON, in reply, said, the Inspector was entitled to examine the book of religious instruction certificates as often as he inspected the schools. The Inspector ascertained the genuineness of the signature of the parent or guardian in each case by an examination of the teachers and of the children; but when he deemed it necessary, or entertained any doubt on the matter, he personally communicated with the parent or guardian, though there was no rule of the Board requiring him to do so. Some of the Royal Commissioners ascertained that improperly signed certificates were in existence; but one of the Commissioners informed him he did not recollect that fact being mentioned in their Report. It was by no means unusual for an Inspector, in his examination of the books, to gather that certificates had been improperly signed, and such certificates were immediately cancelled by the Board.