§ CAPTAIN DONELANTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware 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 attended the organisers' classes and have been trained on the work for the junior standards only, and that over 8,000 teachers have got no training whatever; and will he explain why, in view of these facts, six of the science organisers have received notice that their services will not be required after March 31st; and will he say what arrangements have been made for the training of the teachers who have not as yet had an opportunity of attending a course of science instruction; and will he call for the reports of the Head Organiser of Science Instruction and of the inspectors and be guided by their expert opinions in deciding as to whether or not the services of the science organisers at present employed should be retained.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) I beg to refer to the Answers which I gave to similar Questions put by the hon. Member for West Cavan yesterday†. I do not propose to call for the reports mentioned in the concluding inquiry. The consideration of these reports is for the Commissioners.