§ 9. Mr. BOLANDasked what changes, if any, have been made by the National Board in the teaching of Irish with respect to its position as an extra subject outside school hours or as an optional subject within school hours; the proposed abolition of the fee system and the proposed substitution therefor of a special fixed addition to the teachers' annual grade salary; and when such changes will be made?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that no changes have yet been made in their regulations regarding the teaching of Irish as an extra subject outside school hours or as an optional subject within school hours. Representations have recently been made to the Commissioners on the subject, and, having considered the question, they have decided to recommend that the payment of fees for the teaching of Irish as an extra subject be abolished and that the teachers of schools in which efficient instruction is given in Irish as an ordinary subject during school hours should receive a special addition to their ordinary salaries.