Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have a cohort of more than 1 million students. We have an increased number of students who are coming from abroad, for example. To mention Ukraine alone, there are more than 17,700 students from there. The Deputy will know that students who come from another area, by virtue of their age, can often be exempted from the Irish language. Because there is a more multicultural or diverse representation of students coming from various countries, there is obviously an increase. Notwithstanding that, there have been changes in the opportunity to apply for exemption. As I say, there is a large number of students coming from other countries but also students are applying for exemptions for well-being but there has to be a verified case or cause to achieve an exemption. Beyond that, the Department is -----