Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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199. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the review being undertaken in relation to Irish language exemption; if consideration will be given to children with Autism and Asperger's syndrome; when he expects this review to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55480/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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My Department is examining the question of exemptions from the study of Irish. It is important to note that this has to be done in light of the work which the NCCA is currently undertaking on a new integrated English / Irish curriculum at primary level and on a new specification for Irish at Junior Cycle.

Consideration of a revised scheme for exemptions from the study of Irish will have to take into account these new curricula including how these are supportive of the learning needs of children with special educational needs A revised exemptions scheme will also have to consider the implications of the 20 year Strategy for Irish and the Gaeltacht Act, 2012.

To progress this, data will have to be gather and evaluated. This process will then comprehensively inform further policy actions in this area.