§ MR. SLOANI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what is the cause assigned in the last quarterly return to Mr. Cryan's absence as principal teacher in Doohooma national school, county Mayo, on the 25th and 26th of February last; whether he has satisfied himself that Cryan was assaulted on the 25th February and the key of the school taken from him; and whether, seeing that this teacher's character is marked on the return sheet as satisfactory, he can say what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe Commissioners on National Education inform me that managers' returns are regarded as confidential, and they are, therefore, not prepared to answer the first part of the Question. In accordance with my promise to the hon. Member, I have endeavoured to ascertain whether any assault was committed on the teacher, and am informed that the police did not witness any assault, and that no complaint of an assault was made to them by the teacher. I have already informed the hon. Member that if the teacher complains of an assault or broach of contract, the usual legal remedies are open to him.
§ MR. SLOANCan the right hon. Gentleman say what were the circumstances which caused this school to be closed on two days?
§ MR. BIRRELLThat I cannot say.