HC Deb 23 April 1914 vol 61 cc1077-8
7. Mr. O'DONNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Treasury have refused to sanction the scheme for the teaching of Irish in Irish national schools which was most carefully considered and drafted by the general council of county councils, the Catholic school managers of all Ireland, and the school teachers' association; whether, in view of this unanimous demand from these three bodies, representing every interest in Ireland, he can explain the refusal of the Treasury; and whether in educational matters affecting Ireland the views of the people have any weight whatever?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

A scheme, prepared by the Commisisoners of National Education, which proposed a revision of the system of payment of fees for instruction in the Irish language in national schools, was submitted to the Treasury in December last. The result of this proposal would be to throw upon the Vote for National Education a net additional charge for the teaching of Irish eventually amounting to £30,000 per annum. In view of the many other educational purposes for which Grants are required and demanded, the Treasury considered the present system of Grants to be as large as the claims of this branch of instruction, in competition with others, demanded; and consequently they were unable to give their sanction to the proposal of the Commissioners of National Education. The representations of the public bodies referred to in the question were very carefully considered, but the existence of other claims cannot be overlooked.

Mr. O'DONNELL.

Is it the fact that the National Board of Education, representing the public interest in education in Ireland, made this demand?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes; but of course other bodies in Ireland, including some of these same bodies, make other demands, and the Treasury has to consider the relative importance of each. It is not a question of one demand only.

Mr. RONALD M'NEILL

Have any of these bodies explained what benefit it will be to any living Irishman to be taught the Irish language?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes; over and over again, very powerfully.