§ MR. MURPHY (Kerry, E.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what is the average attendance required for the first assistant and for the second assistant in Irish national schools; when were these averages introduced and what were the previous averages required, and is it proposed to reduce the present averages; whether the average for the second assistant has been reduced in proportion to that for the first assistant, and, if not, why; what additional sum would be required to grant a second assistant to schools with an attendance of eighty pupils or above; and whether, considering the necessity that exists for additional help in these schools, he will favourably consider the question of reducing the 95 average and providing the necessary funds.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The average attendance necessary to warrant the employment of one assistant teacher is fifty, and of two assistant teachers, ninety-five. The rules as to these averages were introduced in 1904 and 1898 respectively. The former averages were sixty and 105, respectively. It is not proposed to reduce the present averages. The average for the second assistant was not reduced in 1904 because in the opinion of the Commissioners, an adequate reduction had already been made, namely, in 1898. Smaller schools require a relatively larger teaching staff than larger schools. The Commissioners estimate that about £14,000 per annum would be required to grant a second assistant to schools with an average attendance of eighty. I am afraid that the suggestion made in the concluding part of the Question cannot be entertained having regard to the many other claims on the Ireland development grant for other (including educational) purposes.