HC Deb 02 June 1908 vol 189 cc1723-4
MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY (Limerick, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland have agreed to contribute two-thirds of the cost of a new school-house for the boys at Rathkeale, or two-thirds of the cost of repair of the old building, on condition that the school be vested in trustees; whether he is also aware that the manager signified his willingness to vest the school-house in trustees, provided the Commissioners advanced the total sum required; and whether, having regard to the fact that the present building cost some £800, all of which was provided locally, and also to the fact that the Commissioners are willing to advance probably £700, the two-thirds cost of the new building, conditionally, he will point out to them the reasonableness of the demand for the full cost of repair, having regard as well to the saving which would be effected by this course.

MR. BIRRELL

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that it is not the case that they have agreed to contribute two-thirds of the cost either of a new school-house or of improving the existing building. They cannot agree to make such contribution until the manager is in a position to comply with the necessary conditions. It is the case that the manager has signified his willingness to vest the existing school-house in trustees upon condition that the Commissioners advance the total sum required, but the Commissioners have no power, under the approved regulations, to regard the existing fabric of a school-house as constituting any part of the local aid necessary to warrant a grant for improving the premises.

MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY

What are the conditions imposed by the Commissioners before they make an advance?

* MR. BIRRELL

They require a contribution from the management of the school of one-third of the cost of building or repair, and they then contribute two-thirds.

MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY

Having regard to the fact that the locality subscribed £800 towards the cost of the old building will the right hon. Gentleman point out to the Commissioners the reasonableness of the demand for the full cost of repair in this case?

MR. BIRRELL

I will look into the matter.