§ 103. Mr. T. M. HEALYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what modifications have the Commissioners of the National Board of Education made in Rule 86a; and how many teachers affected by the rule are over forty-five years of age?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will be happy to furnish the hon. Member with a copy of the modifications made by the Commissioners of National Education in the rule referred to. Eight junior assistant mistresses over forty-five years of age are affected by the rule, but the Commissioners have decided that junior assistant mistresses over forty-five years of age in schools where the average attendance of pupils is fifty may be retained in their schools provided that they are very favourably reported on by the inspectors.
§ Mr. T. M. HEALYWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the operation of these changes will be retrospective?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThat is a matter which I am still considering. I will answer the hon. and learned Gentleman as soon as I can. I find the matter very difficult.