HC Deb 20 July 1911 vol 28 cc1398-9W
Mr. O'DONNELL

asked the Chief Secretary whether, seeing that Irish is now taught in half the schools of Ireland, steps will be taken to secure proper instruction in the language and methods of teaching it for teachers during their training courses?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that provision is made for the instruction of the King's scholars in Irish in all the training colleges except the Church of Ireland Training College in Dublin, by the appointment of a professor or teacher of Irish. The Commissioners examine any students presented to them by the authorities of the colleges with a view to their recognition as being qualified to teach the language. The Commissioners also grant aid in special colleges for the teaching of Irish in addition to the colleges for the general training of teachers.