§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the national school teachers of Drimoleague, county Cork, of all denominations are attending lectures in needlework, arranged by the National Board, and held at the Convent, Skibbereen, and that at the lecture held on the 20th February last, Roman Catholic prayers were gone through in the middle of the lecture without an opportunity being given for those of a different faith to retire; and, if so, will he say if this is in accordance with the rules of the National Board 1357 and, if not, will he give instructions for the practice to be discontinued.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) I am informed by the Commissioners of National Education that a needlework conference was held on the date mentioned at the Skibbereen Convent National School. A short prayer was recited during the conference, but an intimation of the fact was given beforehand so that those present of a different faith might have an opportunity of retiring.