Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if exemptions are available from the subject of Irish in the leaving certificate to allow students enter third level education to pursue science courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4463/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The admission requirements to higher education courses are a matter for decision by the college authorities. In general, Irish is not essential except for entry to NUI colleges. The NUI matriculation requirements generally require students born in the Republic of Ireland to have passed Irish in the Leaving Certificate or GCE/GSE examinations. However, there is provision for exemption from the Matriculation requirement with regard to Irish for those who have been granted exemptions under Rule 46 of the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools.

The guidelines in relation to an exemption from the study of Irish at post-primary level are set out in Rule 46 of the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools as outlined in Circular M10/94. Under the terms of this Rule, Principals of post-primary schools have delegated authority to grant exemptions provided that the student meets the criteria as set down.

The criteria provide that exemptions may be granted by school authorities for (a) students whose primary education up to 11 years of age was received in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland (b) 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 3 years have elapsed since the previous enrolment in the State and the student is at least 11 years of age on re-enrolment and (c) certain categories of students with special educational needs as set out in Circular M10/94 or (d) students from abroad, who have no understanding of English, when enrolled.

Any candidate who is granted exemption from the study of Irish under Rule 46 and who intends applying for a place in a Constituent University or Recognised College, is required to forward to the National University of Ireland, a copy of the Certificate of Exemption, signed by the school manager/principal and accompanied by relevant supporting documentation.