§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that much difficulty is frequently experienced in acquiring the ground necessary for the erection of schools and teachers' residences in Ireland; and whether he will take steps to empower the proper authorities to obtain the required small quantity of land by compulsory equitable arbitration?
MR. J. MORLEYThis matter was recently brought before my notice, and for the purpose of providing a remedy for the difficulty complained of the Irish Government introduced the Irish Education Act, 1892, Amendment Bill of this Session, which is now law. Under this Act the machinery for the compulsory purchase of sites for schools and teachers' residences is simplified, and the proceedings for the exercise of compulsory powers will be considerably expedited. I would refer my hon. Friend to the Memorandum prefixed to the Bill as introduced for an explanation of the objects of the measure. The Act carries out the suggestions of the Commissioners of Education, and until it can be ascertained whether or not it supplies a sufficient remedy for the difficulty it would, I think, be premature to discuss the propriety of taking any further stops.