HC Deb 11 May 1900 vol 82 cc1379-80
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland how many assistant teachers of Irish National schools are at present under notice of withdrawal of salary, or have had their salary withdrawn during the last twelve months, owing to insufficient attendance of pupils, and how much is the annual decrease in the aggregate of assistant teachers' salaries for the whole of Ireland since the introduction of the new rule of the Commissioners, which requires inclusion, in calculation of average, of all days on which the number present is not less than one-third the monthly average instead of one-half as formerly.

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

The information desired in the first part of the question as to the number of assistant teachers whose salaries have been withdrawn, or are under notice of withdrawal, is being-prepared; but some time must elapse before it is ready, in view of the pressure of the Department in connection with the introduction of the new scheme of education. As to the second part of the question, there has been no decrease in the number of assistant teachers since the introduction of the now rule referred to, and there is, consequently, no diminution in the aggregate annual payments to them.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the scheme will be promulgated?

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

A rough outline has been promulgated already, but I cannot say when the details and rules will be ready.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Will it be before the Irish Estimates?

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

No, Sir.

MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

Will there be any opportunity for discussing the new scheme on the Estimates?

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

I should think the question could be raised. I am quite willing to give a general account.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is very great anxiety in Ireland to discuss this new scheme, and we must know what it is before we can discuss it? Will the right hon. Gentleman make such a statement as will enable us to discuss it on the Education Vote?

MR. G. W. BALFOUR

If it is the desire of hon. Members, I will make a fairly full statement.