§ Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the number of vacancies at present existing in the second section of the first grade for men teachers, and if he will state the probable date at which these vacancies will be filled; if he will state the number of teachers that were specially promoted to the second section of the first grade during the past year, and the number that are likely to be specially promoted during the current year?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe number of vacancies existing in the second section of the first grade for men teachers was eighty-five on the 31st December, 1915, which is the last date for which returns are available. These vacancies, as well as any that may occur in the meantime, will be filled up after the 1st April, 1916, if a sufficient number of teachers fulfil the requirements necessary for advancement. The number of men teachers specially promoted to the second section of the first grade since the 1st April, 1915, is twenty-five. No estimate can at present be given as to the number likely to be specially promoted in the current year, as special promotion is only awarded under exceptional circumstances to teachers of high attainments.