§ MR. MURPHY (Kerry E)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that some teachers in Ireland are barred from promotion to the higher grades by circumstances over which they have no control, such as averages, standard numbers, school premises, &c.; and if he proposes to take any stops to remove this disability.
MR. BRYCEI am informed by the Commissioners of National Education that teachers are not eligible for promotion to the several higher grades unless the average attendance reaches the figure which is specified in each case by Rule 104. No teachers have yet been refused promotion by the operation of this rule. The condition of neatness and good order in which school premises are kept, but not the structural condition of premises, is an element in the consideration of promotion. The Commissioners have no present intention of altering the rules in this regard.