Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow will qualify for an Irish exemption in second level school as a result of their special educational needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8226/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In primary and post-primary schools recognised by my Department the study of Irish is compulsory however, there are certain limited circumstances whereby an exemption from the study of Irish may be granted.

In this regard my Department's Circular M10/94 for pupils attending post-primary schools outlines the circumstances whereby an exemption from the study of Irish may be granted. Under the terms of this Circular delegated authority to grant exemptions, within the conditions laid down, is vested in the school management authorities of recognised post-primary schools. Where a school has a query on how the Circular should be applied in respect of any particular application they may seek the advice of my Department's Inspectorate.

In respect of the case referred to by the Deputy the parents of the child should make a written application for an exemption to their child's school. If the application is being sought on the grounds of a specific learning disability the application should be supported with a psychologist's report carried out by a qualified psychologist not more than two years prior to the application for an exemption.