Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is possible to get an exemption from learning the Irish language for an American student who took up residency here in 2004 and was in fifth class at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9202/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As part of both the primary and post-primary level school curriculum Irish is a compulsory subject. The second-level programme in Irish has the capacity to cater for a wide diversity of ability. Department circular M10/94 applies to post primary schools funded by my Department and sets out the exceptional circumstances where an exemption from the study of Irish may be granted to post primary pupils. Under the terms of this circular, delegated authority to grant exemptions from Irish, within the conditions laid down, is vested in school management.

With regard to the particular case referred to by the Deputy, the position is that the pupil's parents/guardians should make a written application to the management of the school in which the pupil is enrolled, clearly stating the grounds on which they are seeking an exemption from the study of Irish.