Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1350: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of students within the education system exempted from the study of English; the number of such students exempted on the basis of psychological assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1730/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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There is no provision for exemption from the study of English. My Department is not aware of any demand for exemptions from the study of English.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1351: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of students within the education system exempted from the study of Irish; the number of such students exempted on the basis of psychological assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1731/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In the period October 1998 to December 2005, the number of exemptions granted from the study of Irish at primary level was 10,117. Of these, 83% were granted to pupils who had assessed learning difficulties. In the school year 2004-05, there were 19,327 post-primary students with an exemption from the study of Irish. Of these, there were 8,142 post-primary students with an exemption based on assessed learning difficulties. The scheme for exemptions from the study of Irish is currently under review by my Department. Any new arrangements arising from the review will be notified to schools by way of circular letter.