Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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213. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the process for securing a certificate of exemption from studying Irish at primary school level for a student (details supplied); the reason this certificate of exemption from studying Irish was refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51761/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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A parent/ guardian or pupil aged 18+ may apply to their school for an exemption from the study of Irish.

The only exceptional circumstances in which a recognised school can grant an exemption from the study of Irish are set out in circulars 0052/2019 (primary) and 0053/2019 (post primary).

In all other cases, schools are required to address a wide diversity of need by providing a differentiated learning experience for pupils in an inclusive school environment. This is informed by the principles of inclusion and the benefits of bilingualism for all pupils that underpin the Primary Languages Curriculum (PLC), the Framework for Junior Cycle (2015) and curricular provision in senior cycle.  

Differentiation is  a  way  of  teaching  in  which  teachers  proactively  modify curriculum,  teaching  methods,  resources,  learning  activities,  and  student products in line with the identified needs of an individual and/or small groups of learners to maximize the learning opportunity for each learner in the classroom.  The aim of differentiation is to ensure that the student can engage in purposeful and  meaningful  learning  activities  and  to  increase  student  motivation  and enjoyment in order to support them in engaging  with increasingly challenging  tasks  over  time.Teachers  should  adapt  teaching  activities  and  resources  in order that they build on the student’s identified strengths in response to need.  Factors to consider  when differentiating the curriculum include: differentiation bycontent;differentiationbyprocess;differentiationbyproduct,and differentiation by environment.  To  effectively  differentiate,  consideration  should  be  given  to  the  distinctive characteristics and learning styles of individual students.

The Primary Language Curriculum is for children of all abilities in all school contexts. This is informed by the principles of inclusion and the benefits of bilingualism for all students that underpin the Primary Languages Curriculum. It recognises and supports students’ engagement with Irish and English at different stages and rates along their language-learning journey. It builds on the language knowledge and experience that students bring to the school. The Progression Continua in the Primary Language Curriculum provide a framework for teachers to identify the student’s stage of language development and to plan interventions that support the development of language skills and competences in Irish and in English in an integrated manner, emphasising the transferability of language skills across languages.

The specification for Junior Cycle Irish aims to consolidate and deepen the students’ knowledge, understanding, values and language skills supporting their personal, cognitive and social development. The learning outcomes presented in the specification apply to all students.All pupils are encouraged to study Irish and achieve a level of personal proficiency that is appropriate to their needs and ability.

The appeals process as set out in the circulars, is focused solely on the process the school engaged in reaching its decision.  The Irish Exemptions Appeals Committee (IEAC) will consider how the school followed the process as prescribed in the circulars and accompanying guidelines.

I have noted the particular distinguishing aspects of this case and I have asked my officials to make contact with the school in question.