Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if, when, a child is exempt from studying Irish at second level, if that exemption prevents them from taking a foreign language in leaving certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1081/11]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Exemptions from studying Irish at post-primary level are granted in accordance with the provisions of Circular M10/94, to the following categories of student:- students whose primary education up to 11 years of age was received in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland students over 11 years of age who are being re-enrolled in a school following a period of at least 3 years spent outside the State, certain categories of students with special educational needs who are failing to achieve adequate levels of attainment in their mother tongue * pupils from abroad who have no understanding of English. In such cases they are required to study one language only, Irish or English.

The scheme devolves decision making to school authorities who are required to operate strictly within the criteria. Exemptions granted under this Circular relate only to the study of Irish and do not prevent students from studying any other language.