§ 25. Mr. P. MEEHANasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that out of the 5,700 male teachers in Ireland only two were tried and sentenced for participation in the rebellion; if he is aware that out of fifteen others arrested on suspicion seven have been discharged by the Advisory Committee and that the cases of the remaining eight are under consideration; if he is aware that a recent careful and searching investigation by the National Board throughout all the national schools 1847 in Ireland to inquire into the charges of alleged widespread disloyal and seditious teaching has revealed only three instances of alleged disloyal teaching that call for investigation; if he is aware that definite charges of spreading disloyalty and sedition and disseminating treason among the youth of Ireland have been made in the Report of the Hardinge Commission; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, the Government will institute an inquiry or take any action to vindicate the character and reputation of the Irish teachers from the charges made against them?
Mr. SAMUELThe facts appear to be as stated in the hon. Member's question. The Commissioners of National Education have already issued a statement on the subject which appeared in the Irish Press on the 22nd instant, and I hardly think any further action is called for.
§ Mr. MEEHANIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Report of the Hardinge Commission charges of disloyalty were made against these Irish teachers and whether in view of the Report of the Board of National Education he will not vindicate these men?
Mr. SAMUELThe Board of National Education in Ireland has already issued a very full and convincing statement in defence of the loyalty of the general body of their staff.
Mr. NUGENTMay we understand that the Report of the Hardinge Commission. being found unreliable in this, will be found equally unreliable in other matters?