Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 658: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons at primary level who are exempted from the study of Irish; the way in which this figure compares with the number in 2000 and 1995; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21959/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The figures requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of exemptions granted from the study of Irish are not readily available for the years requested. However, the following is the available information: the total number of exemptions granted in the period October 1998 to date was 9,098; in the period from January 2004 to December 2004 the number of exemptions granted was 1,608; and in the period January 2005 to date the number granted was 1,359.

As part of the primary school curriculum Irish is a compulsory subject. Exemption from the study of Irish may, however, be granted to primary pupils under certain circumstances outlined in Department circular 12/96. Under the terms of the circular, delegated authority to grant exemptions from Irish, within the conditions laid down, has been vested in the individual school authority. The scheme is under review by my Department and any new arrangements arising therefrom will be notified to schools by way of circular letter.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 659: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of persons at secondary level who are exempted from the study of Irish; the way in which this figure compares with the number in 2000 and 1995; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21960/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In the current school year, 2004-05, a total of 6,588 pupils attending second level schools were granted an exemption by the school authorities from the study of Irish. The corresponding figures for the school years 1994-95 and 1999-2000 were 1,719 and 3,826, respectively.

My Department has issued guidelines on the granting of exemptions from the study of Irish to primary and post-primary schools. My Department's guidelines on an exemption from Irish at post-primary level are outlined at rule 46 of the Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools and circular letter M10/94. Under the terms of this circular, my Department has delegated authority to the principals of second level schools to grant the exemptions provided that the pupil meets the criteria as set down. Exemptions may be granted by school authorities for pupils whose primary education up to 11 years of age was received in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland, pupils who were previously enrolled as recognised pupils in a primary school or second level school who are being re-enrolled after a period spent abroad, provided that at least three years have elapsed since the previous enrolment in the State and the pupil is at least 11 years of age on re-enrolment and certain categories of pupils with special educational needs, as set out in circular M10/94 or pupils from abroad who have no understanding of English when enrolled.