§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY (Limerick, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to 1549 the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that during the past few years various inspectors of national schools in Ireland have had their annual increments of salary refused or postponed; whether he is aware that these refusals and postponements have taken place even in the case of men whose work and conduct are above reproach, and that this was done by the higher officials to whom the Commissioners leave all such matters; and whether, in view of the discontent amongst the general body of inspectors, because of the treatment to which they are being subjected in this and other respects and the consequent injury to education, he will appoint a small Committee to inquire into the working of the National Education Office or into some of the cases of injustice of which it is guilty.
§ MR. CHERRYThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that during the past few years they have refused or postponed the award of increments to inspectors in five cases, but it is not the fact that the work and conduct of these inspectors were above reproach or that the Commissioners leave the decision in such cases to the higher officials. As regards the remainder of the Question, I can only refer to the Answer which my right hon. friend gave to a precisely similar Question put by the hon. Member for West Kerry on; 22nd April last. †