HC Deb 03 July 1907 vol 177 cc711-2
MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state what are the grounds on which the Government and the Lords of the Treasury have refused to sanction the proposal of the Commissioners of National Education, made in January, 1906, so to alter rule 194 of the Commissioners' rules and regulations that they may be empowered to award grants towards building school houses for separate boys' and girls' schools where, as at Kilmeedy, in the county of Limerick, an average attendance of thirty-five pupils is maintained in each school.

MR. BIRRELL

The proposed alteration in rule 194 was not sanctioned because it would tend to the multiplication of small schools. It has been strongly urged that the amalgamation rather than the multiplication of such schools is needed in Ireland.

MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY

Will the right hon. Gentleman act as a peacemaker and bring about a settlement so as to avoid friction in this district? The parents and managers are determined not to have amalgamation.

MR. BIRRELL

I am aware there are difficulties, but I do not see my way to alter the rule.