HC Deb 07 March 1901 vol 90 cc825-6
MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in order to enable Irish National teachers to meet the desire that at present exists for the teaching of the Irish language in Irish National schools, the Commissioners of National Education will establish classes for the teaching of Irish to teachers during the summer holidays, as they have already done in the case of manual instruction, and also to estab- lish Saturday or evening classes for the same purpose.

MR. WYNDHAM

There are no funds at the disposal of the Commissioners for the purpose stated.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not a fact that the managers of schools in Ireland are at present unable to find teachers who can teach the Irish language, in consequence of the lack of funds?

MR. WYNDHAM

I cannot by way of question and answer across the floor of the House debate a question which can be raised on the Estimates.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

Could not the right lion. Gentleman suggest that a special Estimate should be put on for this purpose?

MR. WYXDHAM

It is too late to suggest any addition to the Estimates for the present year.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

Supplementary Estimates are not unknown.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Neither are Votes on Account.