HC Deb 01 April 1889 vol 334 cc1226-7
MR. WILLIAM CORBET (Wicklow, E.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the rule prohibiting the teaching of agriculture in mixed schools out of school hours dates from 29th February, 1888; if so, is not Mr. L. Ryan, Trooperstown National School, entitled to be paid results fees for the ten months he taught prior to that date, and will steps be taken to pay him?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that so far back as 18th August, 1887, Mr. Ryan acknowledged in writing that he had received a copy of the Board's rules, which copy contained a specific direction that if boys and girls in a mixed school are taught agriculture, the instruction must be given wholly within the ordinary school hours; and, further, the teachers were distinctly informed that all pupils examined on or after the 1st March, 1888, would be examined in accordance with the new rule. The school of Mr. Ryan was examined in May, 1888, and, notwithstanding the express directions issued to him, he had failed to carry them out. In these circumstances the Commissioners are unable to pay him results fees.