Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

Tá gealltanas i gclár an Rialtais an Ghaeilge a chosaint agus a chur chun cinn. In education this includes the work towards aligning Irish language curriculums with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR, to enhance spoken Irish. This work is being led by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.

In certain circumstances, a primary or post-primary student may be granted an exemption from studying Irish. The criteria are governed by Department circulars and decisions are made at school level. The circulars make clear that, for fundamental cultural and historical reasons that are inextricably linked to Irish identity, the study of the Irish language is a key aspect of the learning experiences that are considered appropriate for students in recognised schools. Is ar an chúis seo go bhfuil an Ghaeilge ina croí-ábhar sa churaclam do scoileanna aitheanta.

Students should be given every reasonable opportunity to participate in the learning of Irish for as long as possible. Normally, it is in the interests of the child to continue to study Irish to at least fifth or sixth class level before any decision is made to grant an exemption. That is reflected in the overall number of exemptions at primary school level, which has dropped over recent years.

Circulars were published in September 2019. This was informed by an inspectorate review of the previous circulars and following a detailed and comprehensive consultation process. The inspectorate report is also available online. The 2019 circulars were further adjusted following a further review, resulting in the current circulars. My Department will continue to review the system and make adjustments as deemed necessary. We have also engaged with schools on the issue of exemptions and plans to enhance understanding among schools, students and parents of the purposes and criteria of the exemption system.

Aithníonn an Rialtas an tábhacht a bhaineann le córas oideachais láidir chun tacú le gach scoláire rochtain a bheidh acu ar an nGaeilge agus ar an gcultúr Gaelach agus go bhfuil ról suntasach ag an oideachas in athbheochan agus cothabháil na Gaeilge sa phobal. Leanfaidh oifigigh agus gníomhaireachtaí na Roinne le hathbhreithniú agus athchóiriú foghlaim agus teagasc na Gaeilge chun na críche sin.

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