§ Mr. JOHN MURPHYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can ascertain from the Commissioners of National Education the number of assistant teachers from whom salary was withdrawn in the year ended 31st March, 1909, owing to a decline in the average attendance of the schools with which they were connected; and whether he can ascertain how many assistant teachers received notices of withdrawal during the same period for the same cause.
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that during the year ended 31st March, 1909, 623 notices were issued to managers of National schools warning them that the average attendance had fallen so low as to jeopardise the positions of assistant teachers. Only 49 assistant teachers, however, lost their salaries owing to a low average attendance during the year referred to.