§ MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state when was the result of the settlement made in 1890 by the present First Lord of the Treasury between the Irish Training Colleges then existing brought to his notice; did either of his two immediate predecessors in office observe it; did the Commissioners of National Education in the year 1890 make any complaint about it; and can he state when and by whom was the matter first brought before him.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. WYNUHAM,) DoverThe full text of the letter of the Irish Government dated 25th November, 1890, was published in the Report of the Commissioners for that year. The decisions arrived at by the Government, with the concurrence of the Treasury, and announced in that communication, have since been strictly observed. These decisions were approved by the Commissioners.
§ MR. BOLANDI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has at any time taken the opinion of the Commissioners of National Education on the claim made by the training colleges of Waterford. Belfast, and Limerick with respect to free homes; and, if not, will he take it now particularly as to the relation between this claim and the efficiency of the work done in these colleges.
§ MR. WYNDHAMRepresentations of the character mentioned have been made to Government from time to time on behalf of the three provincial training colleges, and the decision arrived at in each case has been in accordance with the terms of the settlement effected in 1890 and the rules made thereunder. The opinion of the Commissioners was not sought as the matter was one for the consideration of the Executive, and I see no advantage in inviting their opinion now.