Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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350. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the latest data on the number of Irish examination exemptions for students of the junior and leaving certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61769/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can advise the Deputy that I have recently published new circulars on exemptions from the study of Irish for implementation in the current school year (2022/23) following an interim review of the 2019 circulars. Circular 0054/2022 applies to recognised English medium primary schools and Circular 0055/2022 applies to recognised English medium post-primary schools.

The parent(s)/guardian(s)/student (if 18 years or over) make an application for an exemption from the study of Irish to the school. It is a matter for the school to consider the application in accordance with the criteria set out in the relevant circular.

The only circumstances in which a school may grant an exemption from the study of Irish are those set out in section 2 of the relevant circulars.

Latest data is as follows: