§ MR. BOLANDI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the inspector sent down to Waterville, county Kerry, to inquire into the erection of the proposed new school there did not ascertain the opinion of Father O'Reilly, the parish priest, before submitting his report; is he aware that, owing to the distance of the village from the school at Spunkane, a number of Roman Catholic parents have had to provide teaching for thirty-four children in an apartment of the Courthouse, measuring fourteen feet by twelve feet; and whether, in view of the fact that many other Roman Catholic children, whose parents are unable to pay the private teacher employed, are absolutely debarred from education, and that the enlargement of the Spunkane school would not meet the necessities of the case, will steps be taken to avail of the site which has been secured in Waterville?
§ MR. WYNDHAMTwo Inspectors reported on the application for this building grant. One had an interview with the reverend gentleman. A private school for Roman Catholic children of the better class, who are charged 5s. a, month, has been in operation in Waterville for some time past. The National School at Spunkane is only a mile distant from Waterville, and the Commissioners adhere to the opinion that its enlargement will effectively meet the requirements of the district.
† See (4) Debates,, cxxx., 1242.
§ MR. BOLANDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the population of this place has largely extended and that the present school is a mile and a half away from where it is most needed. Will he suggest to the Education Commissioners the desirability of building a new school?
§ MR. WYNDHAMNo, Sir, the sums involved in building schools are so large that I do not think I can do that.