Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the extent of pupil numbers who received dispensations from taking Irish in the leaving certificate in 2007; her further views on the fact that 50% approximately of those who received dispensation sat the leaving certificate in French or German; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10872/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Exemptions from learning Irish are granted in accordance with the provisions of Circular M10/94. 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. The scheme devolves decision making to school authorities who are required to operate strictly within the clear criteria.