HC Deb 29 February 1912 vol 34 cc1527-8
Mr. O'DONNELL

asked the Chief Secretary when he proposes to give the Intermediate Education Board of Ireland further powers and more money to deal satisfactorily with secondary education; what financial assistance does he propose to give; what steps does he propose to take as regards salary, registration, training, and pensions of teachers; whether powers will be given to the Board to test work done by a school otherwise than by written examination; and whether knowledge of modern languages will still be tested by written examinations without any oral tests?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am at present engaged in considering the question of secondary education in Ireland, more especially as regards the teachers in secondary schools, whose status I am very anxious to improve, and I had a long conference in Dublin during the recess with the representatives both of teachers and headmasters, and I hope soon to be in a position to make proposals. The matter referred to in the last paragraph of the question would appear to be entirely one for the Intermediate Education Board.

Mr. O'DONNELL

May we expect a Vote to be placed on the Estimates this year to deal with this subject?

Mr. BIRRELL

It depends on how far I can get with my arrangements.

Mr. O'DONNELL

With regard to the latter part of the answer, is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Board are more than anxious to change the system of examination, but they are not able to do it?

Mr. BIRRELL

I quite agree, and I will assist them in every way that I can.