Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the supports that are being provided to children and young people, I will be very clear. I have referenced it a number of times and do not wish to repeat it but instances of a derogation or an exemption being provided for Irish only happen after two years of intervention in the school where particular supports have been put in place, whether it is differentiated learning or additional SET hours being made available.

It is considerable intervention and not done on a whim. It is done in a considered and appropriate manner, putting the child at the centre, and I want to acknowledge that.

In terms of the references to the UK or Poland or other places, Eibhlín Ní Scannláin from the inspectorate is probably better placed than me to give the greater detail. My understanding is that in each of these jurisdictions such as the UK, Poland and Italy, different derogations are offered on a variety of bases. I invite Eibhlín to give some more detail on that.