§ Mr. HAYDENasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can state the number of national teachers in Ireland who, having qualified for promotion by training, position in school, ability and general attainments, length and character of service, and seniority, have been denied promotion on account of insufficient average consequent on the operation of Rule 127b; has the grade salary of any national teacher been reduced owing to the fall in average attendance at his school due to the operation of Rule 127b; and, if so, what was the amount of the reduction?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am not in a position to furnish the figures asked for in the first part of the question. The Commissioners of National Education inform me that their preparation would involve much time and labour, and that they would be of little educational advantage. The Commissioners are not aware of any case in which 157W the grade salary has been reduced owing to a fall in the average attendance caused by the operation of Rule 127b. If any case of hardship, either as regards non-promotion or loss of salary owing to Rule 127b, is brought to the notice of the Commissioners it will be investigated.