MR. O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, 294 Whether Mr. P. W. Joyce, LL.D. T.C.D., and Mr. J. J. Doherty, LL.B. T.C.D., Professors in the Central Training Department of the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland, kept terms by examination in Trinity College, Dublin, while acting as teachers in the Board's direct service; whether Mr. William James Browne, M.A., District Inspector of Schools, and the late Mr. Edmond Wren, M.A., attended the London University examinations while in the same service; whether these gentlemen were not on several occasions absent from duty for the purpose of attending the University examinations; and, whether deductions were made from their salaries or other emoluments in respect of every such absence; and, if not, whether he will recommend the Commissioners to deal with teachers attending the examinations of the Royal University of Ireland on the same footing?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, the Commissioners of National Education inform me that the Questions relating to the four gentlemen hero named refer to periods so long passed that it would be impossible now to obtain accurate information on the points mentioned. With regard to the last clause of the Question, I may say that the Commissioners made au Order in November last, under which they are empowered to deal with all such cases as are referred to in such a way as to prevent any hardship or grievance arising. If the words of the Order are strictly carried out, as I believe they will be, hardships will not occur; and if the hon. Member knows any instance in which it is not being strictly carried out I will inquire into it.