17 OCTOBER 1925, Page 20

COMPULSORY IRISH

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]

Sut,—Infinite mischief is being done by compulsory Irish. During the past summer the National Schools had nine weeks' holidays to enable the teachers to learn Irish and, as the mother of one family said to me, the children were just running about the roads wearing out their clothes. Three hours weekly were formerly given to the teaching of needlework, but the time has been reduced by half in favour of Irish, and Irish will never be of the smallest use to them, as most of the parents know.

In the matter of Irish, the Shannon Scheme, the Register of Doctors, &c., our Government has been very despotic. Sic alto, tic jubeo, sit pro ratione coltattas.—I am, Sir, &c.,