§ MR. W. E. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether Mr. Coates, late master of Sixmilecross National School, had shortly before his death sent in his resignation; and whether the commutation allowance of £170 which has been earned by him has been paid to his representatives; if not, what reason has been assigned?
MR. J. MORLEYThe provisions of the Act of Parliament dealing with applications of this kind require the Commissioners of National Education to certify to the Lord Lieutenant that they are satisfied that a male teacher who would be entitled to a retiring allowance under the Act has become incapable from permanent infirmity of mind or body to continue to discharge his duties, and if such certificate be forthcoming, the Lord Lieutenant, with the consent of the Treasury, may grant to such teacher a gratuity. In the present case the teacher died on the 2nd April, before the issue of the certificate by the Commissioners to the Lord Lieutenant, and they, therefore, had no legal power to certify to the application for a gratuity under the provisions of the Act. I may add, however, that on proof of title a sum of £20 11s. 8d. will be paid to the representatives of Mr. Coates on account of premiums (with interest thereon) paid by him towards the retiring allowance whilst in the service of the National Board.