§ MR. BOLAND (Kerry. S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to an advertisement, dated 23rd November, in which the Commissioners of National Education give notice that they will shortly appoint four junior inspectors; is he aware that under Rule 75 (b) teachers of exceptional ability and qualifications are eligible for appointment as sub-inspectors of national schools, and that under Rule 78 (b) teachers who have been continuously employed under educational authorities from the age of thirty-five years or under may be admitted up to forty-five years of age; can he explain why a new age limit of thirty-five years has now been inserted in this advertisement; and whether, in view of the impression created that the sub-inspectors would be recruited largely, if not entirely, from the ranks of the teachers, he will represent to the Commissioners that an age limit of forty-five should be inserted in place of thirty-five.
§ (Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I have seen the advertisement referred to in the Question. The Commissioners of National Education inform me that Rules 75 (b) and 78 (b) are correctly quoted in the Question, but the latter rule refers to the appointment of persons as teachers and not as inspectors. Junior inspectorships are open to national school teachers under Rule 75 (b); but the Commissioner desire to secure the services of young and active men, as the work is very laborious and involves much travelling and exposure to the weather. The maximum age limit, thirty-five years, has been fixed by the Commissioners after careful consideration of all the circumstances, and in view of the requirements of the public service, and they inform me that they are not prepared to alter it.