Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 308: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position of a person (details supplied) regarding an exemption for exams in view of their health problem and the period of time that they was resident in another county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26966/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The post-primary curriculum for the study of Irish has the capacity to cater for a wide diversity of ability. Nevertheless, provision exists for exemption from the study of Irish in limited special circumstances. The guidelines in relation to an exemption from the study of Irish at post-primary level are set out in circular letter M10/94. Under the terms of this circular, my Department has delegated authority to the principals of post-primary schools to grant the exemptions provided the student meets the criteria as set down.

The criteria provide that exemptions may be granted by school authorities for students whose primary education up to 11 years of age was received in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland; students who were previously enrolled as recognised students in a primary school or post-primary 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 student is at least 11 years of age on re-enrolment; and certain categories of students with special educational needs as set out in Circular M10/94; or students from abroad, who have no understanding of English when enrolled.