§ MR. JOHN O'CONNORTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant 91 of Ireland whether there are schools in the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin in which the children are much overcrowded; and, if so, will steps be immediately taken to provide sufficient school accommodation in a locality where the attendance amounts to 85 per cent, of the children in the district.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I am informed by the Commissioners of National Education that there are several national schools in the area mentioned at which the attendance is in excess of the space accommodation. In many cases the managers are anxious and willing to provide adequate accommodation, and have made applications for building grants; but the matter has been delayed pending the settlement of the general question of building grants. Upon this subject I beg to refer to my Answers to Questions on 31st October.‡ As I then stated, there is every reason to anticipate that a settlement of the question will shortly be effected.