Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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119. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) was refused an exemption in Irish for secondary school; and if he will review this decision. [18197/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, 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. If 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 details of how a request for advice in respect of the Irish exemption circulars may be processed.