§ 48. Mr. LYNNasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that secondary education in Ireland is in a critical condition; and what steps the Government intend to take in order to tide it over the present difficulty?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODUnder the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, questions of Secondary and other education in Ireland pass under the jurisdiction of the Irish Parliaments, to which the final solution of these questions must now be 1119 left. As a temporary arrangement the Estimates for intermediate education (Ireland) for the coming financial year will make provision for grants on the same scale as in the current financial year, and will therefore include the renewal of the special interim grant of £50,000 first introduced last autumn.
§ Mr. MOLESHas the right hon. and gallant Gentleman seen the published statement issued by the Intermediate Board of Education, Ireland? In view of the statements contained in that document will he give the certificated teachers an opportunity for an interview with him on the subject?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODMy answer, I think, must be treated as final. This is a matter which primarily concerns the Exchequer, and now that the Homo Rule Act is law this question of education must be worked out under the direction of the Act.
§ Mr. MOLESMay I, then, further ask whether, having left the intermediate education question untreated for 15 years, the right hon. Gentleman proposes to hand over that heritage, and not to make, financial provision for it?