The Commission of Inquiry into the operations of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction in Ireland convened at the County Council Rooms in Limerick Courthouse. The committee members present included Sir Keano Dighy as Chairman, Hon. J. Dryden, Mr Oyilvie, and Mr Brown, with Mr Taylor serving as the Secretary.
The first witness to be examined was Reverend W. Casey, representing Abbeyfeale. When prompted by the Chairman, Father Casey shared his perspective on the technical scheme in the county. He highlighted widespread discontent with the way the scheme was managed, with many believing it to be a waste of money. Father Casey stressed the need to empower local committees with the authority to initiate schemes suitable for different regions of the country. He proposed offering prizes for cultivating one acre out of every ten into tillage.
Father Casey also advocated the establishment of training colleges in central locations to replace itinerant instruction, which he deemed ineffective. He expressed disappointment in the impact of manual instruction and called for the expansion of technical classes for girls. Additionally, he recommended that children over 14 years old in primary schools be allowed to join technical classes. Father Casey proposed providing financial aid to small industries in various parts of the county.
Responding to a specific example, Father Casey noted that the Limerick County Committee had appointed a lady as a poultry instructress, but the Department had not approved her appointment. The Chairman clarified that the committees had the power of initiative, while the Department had the authority to approve or reject their proposals.
Father Casey suggested allocating a sum of £1,100, previously unspent, to promote small permanent industries. He also mentioned that there was limited room for improvement in dairying due to the prevalence of creameries.
The discussion then turned to manual instruction, with Father Casey stating that it had little impact despite the instructors’ efforts. He concluded that the people lacked interest in this aspect of education.
Mr Michael Mescall, Chairman of the Kilrush Rural District Council, proposed introducing agricultural education into primary schools to make it accessible to every youth. He also recommended supporting deep-sea fishing along the south and west coasts to assist poor fishermen in counties like Cork, Clare, Kerry, Limerick, and Waterford.
However, Lord Emly, a witness on behalf of the Limerick County Council, used his time to issue a vehement protest. He strongly denounced the government’s decision to retain Sir Horace Plunkett in any official capacity. Lord Emly argued that even the most junior officials should not ignite the torch of religious discord in Ireland.
Lord Emly contended that Sir Horace Plunkett, practically a government within a government, had recently written a book that had deeply hurt Catholics in Ireland and around the world. He drew parallels between the hypothetical situation of a Catholic in Scotland wielding similar power and writing a derogatory book about the Scottish people, their Church, ministers, and schools. Lord Emly questioned whether the Scottish people would tolerate such behavior.
He further criticized Sir Horace Plunkett for his political ambiguity, running with the Southern faction and hunting with the Northern hounds. Lord Emly questioned whether Sir Horace Plunkett’s position required parliamentary representation and noted that he had been rejected in both the North and the South of Ireland.
Lord Emly also voiced his displeasure with Professor Campbell’s statement characterizing Limerick as unprogressive. He defended Limerick’s merchants as world-renowned and deemed Professor Campbell’s remark as impertinent and ignorant.
In the midst of the inquiry, Father Breen, representing the Clare County Committee, expressed a lack of confidence in the Department and Sir Horace Plunkett due to the controversial book he had written. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a department like the one in Ireland but suggested restructuring it. Father Breen proposed that the Board of Agriculture should consist of members elected by the County Committees and should be given more substantial powers.
The committee discussion highlighted various concerns and grievances related to the Department’s management and its impact on different regions of Ireland. The debate surrounding Sir Horace Plunkett’s role and actions also underscored the political and religious sensitivities present during this period.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 03 July 1906
