HC Deb 23 February 1871 vol 204 cc746-7
MR. RAIKES

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether the Government intend to take any steps, during the present Session, to protect the masters of National Schools in Ireland against arbitrary removal by the patrons or managers of those establishments?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

said, in reply, that the National Schools were not the schools of the National Board, but of the managers; and from the very first the managers had had the power of dismissing teachers of whom they did not approve. It might be some satisfaction to the hon. Member if he informed him that a resolution was recently agreed to by the central committee of the Irish Teachers Association, to the effect that, in consequence of the opinion lately expressed in various quarters by persons eminently entitled to its respect and esteem, condemnatory of any agitation by the teachers of Ireland in regard to managerial rights, the executive committee of the central association earnestly and respectfully suggested to the provincial association to stay all further action on the question, and to work unitedly and determinedly for the redress of their grievances.

MR. RAIKES

said, that on an early day he would call attention to the hardships now inflicted on the masters of National Schools in Ireland.

MR. MAGUIRE

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, If the Government intend to propose any plan for the improvement of the position of the National Teachers; and, if so, when he will be ready to explain it to the House?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

, in reply, said, the Government were quite aware of the necessity of making some improvement in the position of National School teachers in Ireland. Since his accession to his present Office, he had been in communication with the Commissioners of National Education on the subject, and as soon as he was fully in possession of their views the matter would be duly considered. The proper time, he conceived, for explaining the intentions of the Government to the House would be on the discussion of the Education Estimates; but, possibly, he might be in a position to make some general announcement on the subject at an earlier date.