§ MR. CHARLES CRAIG (Antrim, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether there are any grants available for the enlargement or structural improvement of non-vested schools in Ireland; and, if so, on what conditions are such grants given.
§ (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) There are no funds available for grants towards the enlargement or structural improvement of non-vested national school-houses, such aid being given to vested national schools only. A non-vested national school may, however, be vested in trustees on the application of the local parties interested in the school and with the consent of the Commissioners, and, when so vested, may participate in the grants available for vested national schools. Before approving of the vesting of a non-vested national school, the Commissioners require to be satisfied (1) that the educational requirements of the district make it desirable that the school should be recognised as a vested national school; and (2) that the house and premises are suitable, and that a plot of adequate area can be given for a playground.