HC Deb 07 July 1896 vol 42 c925
MR. JOHN DILLON (Mayo, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether his attention has been directed to the statement made on Friday last by the Archbishop of Dublin with reference to the neglect of the Government to make proper provision for the education of the deaf and dumb and other afflicted children; and whether the Government will undertake to introduce legislation on the subject at an early date?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

My attention has been directed to the recent observations of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin on the subject of providing State aid towards the education of the deaf, dumb, and other afflicted children in Ireland. I have already stated that this matter was one that has my sympathetic consideration, and that I hope to be able at some time to introduce legislation dealing with it.

MR. DILLON

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any more definite answer than that?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I should have thought it must have been obvious to the hon. Gentleman that it is quite impossible to introduce legislation on the subject during the present Session.

MR. DILLON

Well, next Session?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I cannot say what it may be possible for the Government to do during the coming Session.