§ MR. HEALYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether Irish National teachers are promoted by competition out of a limited number of the best answerers selected from all who present themselves at the annual examinations, or whether they are promoted upon answering a certain per-centage on the examination papers; if they are promoted upon the latter system, what are the necessary percentages to obtain third, second, first, and first of first respectively; and, whether these percentages have been changed at any time within the last five years; and, if so, the cause of such change?
§ MR. TREVELYANThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that the conditions required for promotion are the answering of a certain percentage on the examination papers, combined with merit as school teachers. The percentages are 65 and 55 respectively for the first and second divisions of the first class, and 50 for the second and third classes. In all classes it is necessary that there should be no failure in any subject. Within the last five years a change was made with respect to the first class, the percentage for which was 60 in each division. This was altered in 1881 on the consideration that it was too low for the first division and too high for the second.
§ MR. HEALYasked whether this rule as to school-teaching would not place the teacher under the power of the Board if there was a bad feeling against him?
§ MR. TREVELYANI will make inquiries into the subject.