§ Mr. THOMAS O'DONNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will state the total number of students enrolled in secondary schools in Ireland, the number who presented themselves for the intermediate examinations, the total amount paid to the schools in respect of results, and the average per pupil; and whether any payment is made for secondary education given to children whose parents do not approve of the curriculum and cram of the intermediate?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the Commissioners of Intermediate Education that the number of students between the ages of thirteen and nineteen on the rolls of intermediate schools in Ireland on 15th October last was 17,025. The number who presented themselves at the intermediate examinations in 1909 was 11,332. The school grants paid in that year amounted to £50,142. The average amount paid being £2 18s. 11d. for students on the rolls and £4 8s. 6d. for students who presented themselves for examination. The regulations governing the payment of the school grant will be found in Section 12 of the Board's rules, which have recently been presented to Parliament.