§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN (Cork)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a public meeting at Cork on the 10th instant in reference to the action of the Commissioners of National Education in regard to the Cork Model Schools; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that the Cork Technical Committee have spent £700 on alterations to make that portion of the schools granted by the Commissioners available for the purposes of technical education, the Irish Government will communicate with the National Commissioners with a view to their postponing their projected action with regard to the Technical Committee until after the Education Estimates have been submitted to Parliament.
§ MR. WYNDHAMIn submitting the hon. Member's Question to the Commissioners of National Education, I invited their attention to the supplementary Questions put on the same subject last Thursday,† and stated that I should be glad to be favoured with their further observations. In reply, I am informed that the matter will be considered by the Commissioners at their next meeting on the 26th instant.
† See page 695.
§ MR. FLYNN (Cork County, N.)Has the attention of the Commissioners been called to the fact that there are in attendance only one-fourth of the number of pupils for whom accommodation is provided?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI called attention to that point, but, of course, the schools are also used for several other purposes.
§ MR. WYNDHAMI understand that the Committee got the place temporarily, and the alterations are said to have been such as would have spoiled the schools for their original purpose.
§ MR. FLYNNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the requirements of the Education Department were reduced to writing, and that their inspector was satisfied with what the Committee did?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The Question has been answered, and the hon. Member should put any further Question on the Paper.