§ Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when the Treasury will be in a position to give Grants for the erection of national schools and also for teachers' residences; whether he is aware that the national school with Roll No. 5,236, county Down, is in an insanitary condition, that the teacher's residence in connection with the same is unfit for habitation, that the bedrooms contain no fireplaces, that the average height of the bedrooms is 4 feet 6 inches, and that teachers cannot get a house in the locality; whether he will, in view of the condition of this residence, give a Grant at once for the erection of a suitable teachers' residence; and whether he will ask the Commissioners of National Education to publish the rules governing the special promotion of national teachers?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONWith regard to the first part of the question I am in communication with the Treasury on the subject. The condition of the school-house referred to in the question has recently been brought under the notice of the Commissioners of National Education by the Newry Rural District Council and their local inspector has been instructed to furnish a report on the matter. The Commissioners have no information as to the condition of the teacher's residence which was not provided from State funds. They1868W are not at present in a position to give any aid towards the provision of a suitable teacher's residence at this place.
The question of the publication of the rules governing the special promotion of national teachers is at present engaging attention.