HC Deb 29 July 1910 vol 19 cc2644-5W
Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. Thomas Gill, national school teacher, of Bolerin national school, Garvagh, county Derry, resides in a public-house; whether this is contrary to Rule No. 88a of the Commissioners of National Education; and what steps, if any, he intends to take with reference to the matter?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that teachers are forbidden to reside in a public-house. The Commissioners are not aware whether Mr. Thomas Gill resides in a public-house, but inquiries will be made regarding the matter.

Mr. FLAVIN

asked how many assistant teachers in Irish national schools have received notice of withdrawal of salary owing to a decline in the average attendance, a circumstance over which they have no control, in the year ended 31st March, 1910; and how many of these teachers have actually lost their positions in the same period from the same cause?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that it would take some time to prepare the information asked for, and it will not be possible to furnish an answer to the hon. Member's question before the Adjournment of the House.

Mr. FLAVIN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many assistant teachers are employed in the Irish national schools; how many of these are in a higher grade than third; how many have received promotion in the year ended 31st March, 1910; whether the conditions on which such promotions will be granted are anywhere stated in the Commissioners' Rules and Regulations; and, if not so stated, will he suggest to the National Board the desirability of stating them, so as to foster ambition in and give a direction to the abilities of this large body of teachers?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that there are 4,884 assistant teachers employed in Irish national schools, of whom 104 are in a higher grade than third. Three assistants were promoted in grade in the year ended 31st March, 1910. There are no special regulations for the promotion of assistants in the Commissioners' Rules, and the Commissioners do not consider it necessary that there should be such regulations.