HC Deb 09 June 1890 vol 345 cc344-5
MR. JORDAN (Clare, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether Michael O'Brien, Freyhanes, Mullagh, County Clare, did on the 14th April last send three of his children to Annagh (8528) National School, and if on the same day they were ordered to leave "for want of room," and did they leave; whether on the 15th April he sent four of his children to Mullagh (3928) National School, and if they were informed on the 16th April that "they could not be permitted to remain there"; whether, on appealing to the Commissioners of National Education on the 18th April and 3rd May, he was informed by them on the 8th May that "there was another school (Coore) conveniently situated for his children to attend"; whether Coore School is two and a half miles from O'Brien's residence, Mullagh one and a half, and Annagh only half a mile distant; whether there is sufficient accommodation in both Annagh and Mullagh Schools for O'Brien's children; whether, according to the Rules of the Commissioners of National Education, O'Brien may insist on having his children taught at the most convenient school; and will steps be taken to inquire into and remedy this matter?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The Commissioners of National Education report that it appears O'Brien's family had regularly attended Coore School until about 12 months ago when an attack was made upon that school, without any ground for complaint against the teachers, this school being efficiently conducted. The manager of the other two schools mentioned has declined to receive the children of O'Brien, as these schools are already overcrowded. The Commissioners do not see anything in the case calling for action on their part.

MR. JORDAN

Was it competent for the manager, according to the Rules of the Commissioners, to refuse to receive the children?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I gather that there was no violation of the Rules of the National Board.

MR. JORDAN

What is the number of children attending these schools?

MR. E. HARRINGTON (Kerry, W.)

And what is the limit of the area allowed for each child?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I cannot answer these questions without notice.