§ MR. DAWSONasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the proposed Bill for the promotion of education in Ireland will contain a provision for establishing a system of compulsory attendance; whether his attention has been drawn to the frequent disapproval expressed by Royal Commissions, and by Sir Patrick Keenan, regarding the district model schools; and, whether it is intended to dispense with them?
§ MR. T. A. DICKSONasked, before the Chief Secretary answered the Question, if he would say whether the endowed schools of Ireland would be dealt with this year in the Irish Education Bill, and, if not, whether a separate Bill dealing with the endowed schools in Ireland would be introduced?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, I am not prepared to announce the provisions of the proposed Bill until I have an opportunity of making a general statement on the subject to the House. I am aware of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission over which Lord Powis presided in 1870 with regard to the model schools. That, I believe, is the only Royal Commission which has expressed any disapproval of them. I do not think Sir Patrick Keenan can be quoted as disapproving of these schools. His evidence before Lord Powis's Commission was in their vindication. The Commissioners of National Education have no intention of dispensing with thorn. In answer to my hon. Friend (Mr. Dickson), I have to say that the Bill dealing with those schools is being prepared by the Government, and if there is any probability of its being passed this Session, it might be introduced. Several Bills, however, take precedence of it. If the Government find that it is probable that the Bill will pass without opposition they will introduce it, otherwise they will not.