§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONasked how many of the lay assistants in Bray Convent national school received three months' notice in the years ending 30th June, 1912, and 30th June, 1913, respectively; how many of those so dismissed have been reappointed, with the dates of dismissal and reappointment in each case; whether, notwithstanding the fact that assistants so dismissed and reappointed receive no salary during the period between the expiry of the notice and the date of reappointment, the Board make Grants for the whole year; if so, whether this practice obtains in the case of any other convent national schools; and whether any inquiry into the circumstances has been, or will be, held by the Commissioners of National Education?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that three lay assistants left St. Patrick's Convent, Bray, in the year ended 30th June, 1912, and two in the year ended 30th June, 1913, and that none of them appear to have been reappointed. The Commissioners do not interfere with the discretion of the conductors of convent schools as regards the employment or dismissal of lay assistant teachers. The Grants are paid in full in1712W all convent schools so long as the Commissioners are satisfied that the staff is sufficient. The Commissioners do not see any necessity for the inquiry suggested.