§ Captain SHEEHANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any Committee or Commission has investigated and reported on the question of educational reconstruction in Ireland after the War; whether he is aware that there is need for such reconstruction, and especially as regards agricultural, technical, and primary education; have representations been made to him on this question by various educational authorities in Ireland; and what steps, if any, it is proposed to take in reference to the matter?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo Committee or Commission has investigated or reported upon this question I have received representations from numerous authorities in Ireland as to the need for the vigorous development of schemes both of agricultural and technical instruction after the War, of the necessity for which the Department are fully satisfied. The matter is receiving consideration by the Irish Government.
§ Mr. FFRENCHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has seen resolutions passed by the Technical Instruction Committee for New Ross Urban District complaining that the representation made by the Irish Technical Instruction Association regarding the necessity for increased Grants for technical education have been without result; that, notwithstanding the increased Grants made for primary and secondary education, no similar Grant has been made for technical education; and that no Committee has been appointed, as the Irish Technical Instruction Association (Standing Council) recommended, to consider and make recommendations to further the needs of 263W this important branch of education; and if he will say what the Government proposes to do in the matter?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe New Ross Technical Instruction Committee, as well as other local authorities, have passed a series of resolutions urging that increased funds are needed for technical education. Representations have been made to the Treasury on the subject.