§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) how many teachers holding Second Division of First Class, of over seven years' standing as such, were in the service of the National 1226 Board on 31st March last; (2) how many of these were promoted under the new regulations of the Board, and if any omitted; and (3) whether Inspectors will be called upon to furnish any local causes that may have interfered with the efficiency of the Schools?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD. BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)Six hundred and eighty-seven teachers holding Second Division of First Class of over seven years' standing as such were in the service of the National Board on 31st March, 1897. Of these none have as yet been promoted. The results of the investigations which have just been completed are, however, under careful consideration, and it is hoped that the Commissioners may soon be in a position to decide as to the individuals whose "highly efficient" service warrants their promotion without examination to the First Division of the First Class. No statement can be made by the Commissioners in reference to the third paragraph of the Question until they decide as to the individuals to be promoted.