§ Mr. O'SHEEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how much was the aggregate cost of carrying out the intermediate examinations in Ireland for the five years ending 31st December, 1885, 1895, and 1905; how much was the aggregate value of the exhibitions and other prizes awarded to students examined in each of these periods of five years, respectively; how much were the aggregate grants to schools, inclusive of bonuses, for each of the same periods; and whether the Commissioners of Intermediate Education will consider the desirability of making such changes as will largely reduce the present cost of carrying out examinations and proportionately increase the amount awarded for exhibitions so as to make it possible for poor students possessing ability to obtain university education?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe following gives the required information:—
They are of opinion that the amount of the exhibitions awarded in the senior grade is sufficient to render it possible for the students to obtain university education.
1443W
§ Mr. O'SHEEasked the Chief Secretary what was the value or amount of each junior, middle, and senior grade exhibition awarded in the years 1885, 1895, and 1905, respectively, by the Commissioners of Intermediate Education in Ireland; what was the number of superintendents of intermediate examinations employed in each of these years; what was the number of pupils who underwent examination; what was the remuneration or average remuneration received by each of the superintendents; and what was the average amount allowed to each of them in each of these years for travelling and other expenses?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe following tables give the required information:—
I.—VALUE OF EXHIBITIONS. Grade. Value of Exhibitions awarded in 1885. 1895. 1905. Preparatory … Nil £20 tenable for 1 year. Nil. Junior … £15 a year tenable for 3 years under certain conditions. £20 a year tenable for 3 years under certain conditions. £20, £15, and £10, all payable in one sum. Middle … £25 a year tenable for 2 years under certain conditions. £30 a year tenable for 2 years under certain conditions. £30, £25, £15, and £10, all payable in one sum. Senior … £10 prize payable in one sum. £50 prize payable in one sum. £50, £40, £30, and £15. all payable in one sum.
II.—NUMBER OF STUDENTS AND SUPERINTEDNENTS. Year. Number of Students. Number of Superintendents. Average remuneration of Superintendents. Average travelling and other expenses allowed to Superintendents.* £ s. d. £ s. d. 1885 … … 5,181 149 12 18 5 1 18 2 1895 … … 8,323 250 14 1 1 3 9 0 1905 … … 9,677 262 14 13 10 3 15 4 * Including the payment made by Superintendents for attendants.