§ MR. JOHN O'CONNOR (Kildare, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland when did the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland begin to consider proposals for the training of junior assistant mistresses in kindergarten methods and object lessons; does such consideration still continue; when may the conclusions be expected; and, in the meantime, how are the 474 junior assistant mistresses appointed since last July employed.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Commissioners of National Education inform me that the question of the training of junior assistant mistresses in kindergarten methods and object lessons first came under their consideration in the beginning of the present year. The Commissioners
† See (4) Debates, clxiii., 1445.396 submitted their proposals in the matter to the Irish Government on 25th April. As I have already informed the hon. Member, these proposals called for much consideration, especially having regard to the state of the Ireland Development Grant. The Irish Government are in communication with the Treasury upon the subject, and I hope that a decision will shortly be arrived at. In the meantime the junior assistant mistresses appointed by the Board are employed in various national schools assisting in the school work.