§ Mr. CULLINANasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the report of the deputation of teachers who waited on the Resident Commissioner of National Education in connection, amongst other questions, with that of their civil rights, when Dr. Starkie stated that the Chief Secretary did the teachers more harm than good over the civil rights question, as he set up the backs of the members of the National Board on the question; whether the members of the National Board and managers are opposed to granting civil rights to teachers; and whether he is prepared to take the necessary steps to have the Irish national teacher permitted to share in the privileges enjoyed by their fellow citizens?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMy attention has been called to the report referred to, and I have also seen a letter from the Resident Commissioner denying its authenticity. I am informed that the question of the civil rights of teachers was considered by the Commissioners of National Education en several occasions in 1906 and 1907, when the restrictions imposed on teachers were relaxed to a considerable extent. The Commissioners do not think that it would be in the interests of the teachers or the schools to modify still further the rules on the subject. The responsibility in this matter rests entirely with the Commissioners, and I do not propose to take action with regard to it.