Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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316. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a reply will issue to correspondence in regard to the concerns of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54388/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Irish language is accorded special status in Ireland and is protected by various pieces of legislation and in particular Article 8 of our Constitution which states that “The Irish Language as the national language is the first official language”. The Education Act 1998 recognises the particular responsibility of the education system with regard to supporting the Irish language.

In recognising the linguistic, social and cultural importance of Irish and English in Ireland, both languages are included as core subjects in the national curricula for recognised primary and post-primary schools and centres for education in Ireland. The importance of the teaching of both languages in this way has been re-affirmed most recently in the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.

Indeed, the most recent curricular changes at primary and junior cycle level have emphasised not only the importance of learning both languages but also the wider benefits of bilingualism. The development of these new language curricula reflects my Department’s reassertion of its commitment to the Irish language and to progressing the language education related actions of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.

The new Primary Language Curriculum integrates English and Irish learning at primary level and supports teachers to work with children whose learning and development may progress at a different rate to their peers along a Progression Continuum. Recent curricular developments create a very different learning environment for students, one which places them at the heart of the language learning and assessment processes from Junior Infants through to the end of Junior Cycle. The Primary Language Curriculum and the specifications for Irish in Junior Cycle place a strong emphasis on language skills development and the integration and transferability of those skills. It also gives students potential to realise the benefits that could accrue from engaging in the study of two languages from an early age.

It is acknowledged that in some very limited and well-defined circumstances as set out in Circular 12/96, an exemption from the study of Irish may be warranted. To be eligible for an exemption a child’s circumstances must satisfy the criteria of the circular and it is school management who are the delegated authority to grant exemptions in line with the criteria of the circular.

The Department is reviewing circulars on Irish exemptions from primary and post-primary schools and a public consultation is underway on proposed changes with a view to bringing the existing circulars up to date with current policy and in line with new language curricula.

The public consultation, launched on 7 December, invites the public to complete a) a short on-line survey responding to the key proposed changes and b) to submit their views more generally on aspects of the proposed revised circulars. A research report has also been published as part of the public consultation process. The closing date for receipt of responses to the public consultation has been extended to the 18th January 2019. The results of the public consultation will inform the new circulars under which exemptions from the study of Irish at primary and post-primary level will be permitted.