§ Mr. CRUMLEYasked the Chief Secretary whether any vacancies have occurred in Ireland in connection with the appointment of inspectors under the Board of 1087W National Education during the years 1908, 1909, and 1910, and, if so, how many; whether it has invariably been the practice to fill all such appointments from people who have never been engaged in primary schools; are the claims of national teachers taken into consideration at all; are there any vacancies existing at present; and, if so, will due consideration be given to the interests of national teachers who may be applicants for such posts?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that during the years 1908, 1909, and 1910, ten vacancies for inspectors of national schools occurred. No such practice as that referred to in the question exists. The Commissioners desire to appoint as inspectors candidates who have had experience of primary schools if otherwise eligible. Two national teachers were recently appointed inspectors. Applications received from national teachers are considered along with those from other candidates, and they have privileges in regard to age limits which are not granted to other candidates. Two vacancies exist at present.