MR. PATRICK O'BRIENOn behalf of the hon. Member for North Kilkenny, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that some five years ago, under the scheme of improved technical education for the youth of Ireland, four assistant musical organisers were officially appointed to give Irish teachers and children musical instruction in sessions of not more than a month; and that the Treasury now declines to continue these organisers because of the cost; and, if so, whether, in view of the success of this instruction and of the resolutions of the Commissioners of National Education, the Catholic Hierarchy, and the Synod of the Episcopalian Church, requesting a continuance of the system, he will take steps to induce the Treasury to reconsider 320 their decision and continue the appointment of Irish musical organisers as before.
§ MR. WALTER LONGTemporary organisers in music were employed for a definite term of five years, which expired on March 31st. An inspector of music has now been permanently appointed. It is not proposed to reopen the question.
§ MR. ROCHE (Galway, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the popular taste for and need for instruction by the teachers in music, he will request the Commissioners to retain the services of the organiser of instruction in that subject.
§ MR. WALTER LONGThe appointment of a permanent inspector of music has been approved. The term for which the temporary organisers in that subject were employed expired on March 31st, and it is not intended to renew their appointments.