Mr. Paul Byrne:

The reasoning that I get from parents is that they need to have German, French or whatever language it is, for a particular course in college. The student may have a difficulty with languages and it lessens the burden if the student only has to do the one. However, the circular has made sure that it has to be a learning difficulty. There are very specific reasons why the exemption will be granted. The circular is very clear. If the application by the parents does not fall into one of the categories in the circular, it is not a valid application. The Deputy asked how students have the ability to do French, German or Mandarin. My experience is that only a small number of students do a modern European language if they have an Irish exemption.