MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI 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teachers of Irish National schools are at present under notice of withdrawal of salary, or have had their salary withdrawn during the last twelve months, owing to insufficient attendance of pupils, and how much is the annual decrease in the aggregate of assistant teachers' salaries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. BALFOURThe information desired in the first part of the question as to the number of assistant teachers whose salaries have been withdrawn, or are under notice of withdrawal, is being-prepared; but some time must elapse before it is ready, in view of the pressure of the Department in connection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. G. W. BALFOURA rough outline has been promulgated already, but I cannot say when the details and rules will be ready.
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURNo, Sir.
§ MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)Will there be any opportunity for discussing the new scheme on the Estimates?
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURI should think the question could be raised. I am quite willing to give a general account.
§ MR. JOHN REDMONDIs 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. BALFOURIf it is the desire of hon. Members, I will make a fairly full statement.