§ Mr. FFRENCHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the assistant mistress of Currigbyrne national school, South Wexford, has been notified that the salary is withdrawn in consequence of the average attendance for the quarter ending 31st March falling two below what is considered sufficient, whilst the average attendance for the year ending 31st December, 1910, was up to the requirement; and whether, as a swing of ten in the average attendance has been allowed with reference to assistant masters, he will see that a swing of at least five shall be allowed in the case of assistant mistresses, as many of them are at present losing their employment?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that the grants to the junior assistant mistress of the school mentioned, which were withdrawn from 31st March, 1911, owing to the decline in the number of pupils in average attendance, have now been restored, as it appears from the returns for the June quarter, 1911, that the attendance has recovered, and is again sufficient for the continued recognition of the teacher in question. The restoration of the grants takes effect from 1st April, 1911, and as the teacher has continued to serve in the school no loss of salary has occurred. With regard to the last paragraph of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question of the hon. Member for North Westmeath on this subject on 15th June.