§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland in reference to the accidental burning of the Freemount National Schools, county Cork, if he can explain the delay in preparing the plans for repair of the old schools; is he aware that school work is at present being carried on in a barn and shed, and that these premises are available only until August next; and whether, in view of these circumstances, the Commissioners of National Education will expedite, as much as possible, the completion of the plans and commencement of the work of properly repairing these schools.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Commissioners of National Education inform me that the delay was partly due to the fact that it was necessary to obtain special Reports on the case from their inspector and the Board of Works. The Commissioners understand that the school work is at present being carried on in two temporary buildings roofed with corrugated iron. The Commissioners have made a proposal for a grant towards the cost of restoring the school-house, and this proposal is under the consideration of the Irish Government and the Treasury. There will, I trust, be no undue delay in coming to a decision in the matter.