§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the Tipperary Industrial School for Girls has accommodation for one hundred girls, provided at an expense of £6,000; and, whether, in March 1881, the school was most favourably reported on by Mr. Lentaigne; and, if so, if he would state on what grounds the Treasury refuse to make a grant to this school for more than sixty-four girls?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY) (Newcastle-on-Tyne)I find it stated by the managers of this school that the cost of the buildings and fittings amounted to £6,000, and that the accommodation is sufficient for 100 girls. I have not seen any special Reports upon this school from Sir John Lentaigne in March, 1881; but I believe that in all his Reports since 1880 he speaks favourably of the school. It is not the Treasury who have refused to make a grant to this school for more than 64 children. Successive Chief Secretaries have considered its claims, and, having regard to the fact that the Parliamentary Vote is limited in amount, and that the claims of other localities had to be likewise considered, have found themselves unable to sanction the increase sought for. The claims of the school will be again brought forward for the Chief Secretary's consideration when next year's Estimate is about being settled; but I think it right to say that the County Tipperary is already exceptionally well provided for in the way of industrial schools for Catholic girls. There are four such in the county receiving between them the Parliamentary grant for 279 girls.