HC Deb 20 September 1909 vol 11 cc204-5W
Mr. J. P. FARRELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has any official information showing that in the intermediate examinations recently held in Ireland, owing to the system of marking for Irish and the increase in the required number to pass, an increase not made in any other lingual subject, Irish scholars have been placed at a disadvantage in the recent examinations; and, if so, will he take steps to put Irish on the same footing in this respect as other languages for future examinations?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Commissioners of Intermediate Education inform me that there has been no alteration for the recent examinations in the percentage required for a pass in Irish or any other subject. They add that students taking Irish are not placed at any disadvantage for passing the examinations in comparison with students taking any of the other languages that are contained in the Board's programme, and that the rules published by the Board show clearly that Irish is on the same footing as other languages.

Mr. J. P. FARRELL

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the total amount paid to successful exhibitioners and prize-winners at the intermediate examinations, 1908, and the approximate amount to be paid this year; and whether he is aware that in consequence of the recent stringent rules adopted for exhibitions, prizes, and passes, more than 40 per cent. of failures are announced this year as against an average 78 per cent. of passes since the establishment of the Intermediate Board 30 years ago?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Commissioners of Intermediate Education inform me that the amounts expended in 1908 for exhibitions and prizes were as follows: Exhibitions, £6,365; book prizes, £810; composition prizes, £594; total, £7,769. The amount of the exhibitions awarded as the result of the recent examinations is £4,850. As the Board have not determined the number of book and composition prizes to be awarded, no estimate of the amount involved can be made. For the 30 years during which the examinations have been held prior to 1909 the average percentage of students who have passed is 62.5. For the present year the percentage is 55.1.