HC Deb 22 March 1910 vol 15 cc955-6
Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the admission of one class of extern students, namely, the students of Maynooth, to the right of competing for a degree of the National University in Ireland without having the qualification of residence in the university, he will take steps to have the same right conferred on another class of extern students, namely, the national school teachers of Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

There is no power under the Irish Universities Act to permit extern students to enter for the university examinations save in the case of students of the late Royal University. Students in recognised colleges are not extern students.

Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of my question—whether he will take steps to have the same right conferred on another class of extern students, namely, the national school teachers of Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

No, Sir; the students of Maynooth are not extern students, because they are resident at a recognised college. I do not propose to take the steps suggested.

Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

Is it not a fact that the extern student must be a qualified resident in the university?

Mr. BIRRELL

The extern and the intern students are what they are declared to be by Act of Parliament.