§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the National Board have recommended the reduction of the average required for assistant teachers in Irish national schools to fifty; and, if so, whether provision will be made in the coining Estimates for carrying this reform into operation.
§ MR WYNDHAMYes, Sir; such a proposal was made. It would involve an additional charge of £24,000 per annum on the Estimate for Public Education. Additions of so large a character should, in the opinion of the Irish Government, be considered in relation to all other demands that may be made in respect of education in Ireland.
In reply to a further Question Mr. WYNDHAM said he hoped to make a statement shortly with regard to the equivalent grant for Ireland.