HC Deb 07 April 1910 vol 16 cc586-7
Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that, at a meeting of the Faculty of Arts of Queen's University, at Belfast, held on 3rd March last, it was proposed by the Reverend Denis O'Keeffe, lecturer of scholastic philosophy, to substitute for scholastic philosophy in the list of optional subjects for degrees in arts the subjects scholastic logic, scholastic metaphysics, and scholastic ethics; that after discussion the motion was altered so as to add the words, "in this subject three courses of lectures will be delivered which may be selected as separate options," after the words "scholastic philosophy," on page 14 of the regulations; and that the amended motion was carried with one dissentient, who requested that his dissent and protest should be recorded on the minutes and forwarded to the general board of studies and to the senate in any report upon this subject that the faculty might make; whether the resolution had been forwarded to the general board of studies and the senate; and, if so, what action had been taken by these bodies respectively?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

The President of the Queen's University, Belfast, informs me that proceedings of the faculties of the university are private and confidential until they are received by the Senate, and are so marked. He is not therefore in a position to furnish any information with regard to them.

Mr. C. CRAIG

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the proceedings of the faculty mentioned in the question were known to the whole counties of Ireland three or four weeks ago?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

If that is so it must be the result of a breach of confidence somewhere.

Mr. C. CRAIG

Was not the whole North of Ireland aware of the proceedings, and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the facts as stated in the question are correct?