Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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350. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an exemption can be made in the case of a person (details supplied); the steps which need to be taken in order for this to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24737/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Exemptions from the study of Irish are granted in accordance with the provisions of Departmental Circular 12/96 for primary schools. The criteria provides that exemptions may be granted by school authorities for certain categories of students with special educational needs as set out in this Circular. Currently, a diagnosis of Dyspraxia is not among the categories of special educational need for which an exemption may be granted.

If a school is uncertain as to whether a pupil's circumstances fall within the criteria of Circular 12/96 or where a school's decision to refuse an application for an exemption is queried, it is open to either the school or the parent/guardian to seek advice from my Department as to the application of the criteria for an exemption to a particular case. Officials from my Department will contact the Deputy with the details of how a request for advice in respect of the Irish exemption circulars may be processed.