§ Mr. O'DONNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will say how many students passed the entrance examination for King's scholarships in Ireland last Easter, in first and second division, repectively; how many first and second division students were called to each of the Irish training colleges for the session beginning next September; whether any and, if so, what colleges have called second division students passing over first division; and will he explain why this is done; and what control do the National Board possess as to admission of students to the various training colleges?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that the numbers of candidates who passed the King's scholarship examination of 1911 are:—In the first division 48 men and 156 women, and in the second division 192 men and 684 women. Returns of the candidates selected for the training session commencing in September next have not yet been furnished to the Commissioners. In the case of Marlborough Street Training College the candidates (other than recognised teachers) who pass the King's Scholarship examination are selected for admission to the college in the order of merit. In the case of the other colleges the selection of King's Scholars is made by the college authorities from the list of candidates who have been declared eligible by the Commissioners.