asked the Minister for Education if he will state why, to supervise the examinations held on 8th-10th April, 1931, in connection with Intermediate School Scholarships and entrance to Preparatory Colleges, superintendentships were not, at least for Gaeltacht and Breac-Ghaeltacht candidates, confined to persons with a good knowledge of Irish, and why among superintendents selected for such centres as Gaillimh, Beul an Mhuirthid, Daingean Uí Chúise and Cathair-Saidhbhín, were persons with practically no knowledge of Irish.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supervision of Examinations in Gaeltacht.
The number of centres at the examinations referred to was increased this year owing to the setting up of additional centres in the Gaeltacht. In making the arrangements for the examinations it was found necessary to utilise inspectors and some other experienced persons for the purpose of applying oral tests in Irish, English and Music. The charge of the examination papers and the immediate superintendence of the examination rooms had, accordingly, to be devolved on such officials from the indoor staff of the Department as could be spared.
Every effort was made to send fluent speakers of Irish to the Fíor-Ghaeltacht centres, but it was not always possible to do so owing to the exigencies of work in the Department at the time of the examination.