§ MR. L. P. HAYDEN (Roscommon, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that the building which at present serves as a school at Mayo for the accommodation of 150 children is only 12 feet by 30 feet, and that a new schoolhouse of proper dimensions has been completed; can he state what is the cause of the delay in opening the new school; and whether he will take into consideration the danger to the public health of the present arrangement, 438 and take steps to have the new school opened without further delay?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe dimensions of the school house at present in use at Mayo are slightly in excess of those mentioned. It has accommodation for 79 pupils, whereas the actual average attendance is about 130. Early in January last the manager informed the Commissioners of National Education that the new schoolhouse would be open for the reception of pupils in a few days, but it appears the contractor owing to a dispute, has refused to allow the premises to be opened. The District School Inspector will shortly visit and report on the circumstances of the case in order that the necessary action may be taken to insure the early admission of pupils.