§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there has been any diminution in the number of pupil teachers in the Irish training colleges; and whether the inadequacy of the salaries paid to the teachers has produced a disinclination in students to enter the teaching profession?
§ Mr. DUKEAs compared with previous years there is an appreciable increase in the number of students who, prior to admission to the training colleges, recognised by the Commissioners of National Education, had previously served as pupil teachers in Irish National Schools. There is a diminution, however, in the total number of men students in these colleges, but there is no decrease as regards the number of women students. It is a matter of general experience and not peculiar to Ireland that the number of men adopting teaching as a profession is on the decrease. 1265W This circumstance may possibly be attributable to the better remuneration offered by other occupations.