Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the circumstances in which a child attending a primary school who has been diagnosed with ADHD and granted an exemption from the study of Irish in accordance with the terms of circular 12/96 by the school can have that exemption withdrawn by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4856/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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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. There is no provision in the circular for the automatic granting of exemptions to pupils suffering from ADHD.

One of the conditions set down in circular 12/96 is that an application for exemption on the grounds of a learning disability must be accompanied by a full psychological assessment of the pupil carried out by a qualified psychologist not more than two years prior to the date of application. With regard to the specific case referred to by the Deputy, the psychological assessment submitted was outside the stipulated time period and accordingly was returned to the school for submission of an up-to-date assessment. To date an updated psychological assessment has not been received by my Department in respect of the pupil in question. Should such an assessment be submitted, the application for exemption will be processed without delay.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary school pupils from abroad who had no understanding of English when enrolled who are required to study Irish only in accordance with the terms of circular 12/96; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4857/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, my Department will be glad to look into the matter on receipt of the relevant details.