§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. T. Mullane, national teacher, of Dromahane, Mallow, has frequently attended petty sessions, quarter sessions, and assizes, in connection with the prosecution of Mrs. Regan, widow, an evicted tenant; and will he say whether Mr. Mullane obtained permission from the National Commissioners for these absences from his duty, which involve loss to the pupils of these schools; and whether the Commissioners will make representations on this matter to this national teacher.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.)I am informed by the Board of National Education that Mr. Mullane was absent from duty on nine days, at various times 280 between November, 1903, and October,1904, in connection with litigation in which he was engaged, concerning land formerly in possession of Mrs. Regan. The Commissioners' permission in the case of occasional absence for reasonable cause is not necessary, the matter being within the discretion of the manager of the school. The Commissioners made due inquiry at the time into the absences referred to, and decided that action on their part was unnecessary. The in spector's Reports upon the school are satisfactory.