§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDY (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to, the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the fact that only 500 teachers of national schools in Ireland have passed through a full course of elementary science instruction, that less than 5,000 teachers have been trained by the organisers on the science course for the junior standards, and that more 1206 than 8,000 teachers have got no training whatsoever, will the Government explain why six of the science organisers have got notice that their services will not be required after March 31st instant.
§ MR. WALTER LONGI have already, in reply to the hon. Member's Question of the 20th instant,† stated the reasons for terminating the employment of these organisers.
§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he has seen the last reports of the Head Organiser of Science Instruction arid of the inspectors; and if the opinions of those experts, as to whether or not the services of the science organisers at present employed should be retained, will receive consideration.
§ MR. WALTER LONGI have not seen the reports referred to, which will be published with the Board's next Annual Report. The Board, I have no doubt, give due consideration to the opinions of their officers.
§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether any arrangement has been made for the training of those teachers, over 8,000 in number, in elementary science who have not yet had any opportunity of attending the organisers' classes.
§ MR. WALTER LONGI replied to a Question to the same effect, put by the hon. Member for Mid Cork, on the 24th inst.‡