§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state the number of teachers whose salaries were withdrawn during the years 1897 to 1905, respectively; whether teachers of thirty years service have, since the change of rules, been declared inefficient and dismissed without compensation or pension; and whether steps will be taken to have the whole scheme of rules and programme and treatment of teachers of the national board thoroughly inquired into.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Commissioners of National Education inform me that during the nine years ended 39 December 31st, 1905, salary was withdrawn from 260 teachers because of long continued inefficiency or neglect of duty. In the case of any such teacher who had thirty years service, consideration was always given to that fact, and wherever it was possible with due regard to the educational interests of the pupils to suspend final action teachers were permitted to continue their service until they became eligible for pension under the Teachers' Pension Act. The powers of the Lord-Lieutenant in respect of the Commissioners' rules arise only in cases in which the Commissioners seek to change any fundamental rule.