HC Deb 23 June 1910 vol 18 cc475-6
Captain CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary whether it is the intention of the Government to press the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland to grant full civil rights to national school teachers so that they may be in the same position as in England and Scotland?

Mr. BIRRELL

As I stated in my reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for Newry on 14th April last, the Commissioners of National Education do not consider that it would be in the interests of the teachers or the schools to modify still further the rules on the subject which have been considerably relaxed in recent years. The responsibility in the matter rests entirely with the Commissioners, and I have no power to press a different view upon them.

Captain CRAIG

Will the House be given an opportunity to discuss the question as to whether these teachers should have the same civil rights as the teachers in England and Scotland?

Mr. BIRRELL

I recollect that on more than one occasion this subject has been discussed on the Education, or similar, Vote. I see no reason why it should not be before the House again.

Captain CRAIG

Is not the opinion universally in favour of giving the teachers civil rights?

Mr. BIRRELL

I could not say—certainly not universally.