Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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769. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the options that are available to students who have been refused an Irish exemption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1529/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, 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. The language has particular social, historical and educational importance and is part of the unique cultural heritage of the Irish people. 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. This has been the case since the foundation of the State and the importance of the teaching of both languages in this way has been re-affirmed on a number of occasions by the State.

In that context, exemptions from the study of Irish may only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Decisions on the granting of exemptions from the study of Irish may be made by school management for those students whose circumstances are set out in Section 2.2 of Circulars 0054/2022 – Primary and 0055/2022 – Post-primary. A student whose application for an exemption from the study of Irish is refused by the school may appeal the decision to the Irish Exemptions Appeals Committee who will review the decision. Further information on exemptions from the study of Irish including the appeals process and application form is available on our webpage: www.gov.ie/en/service/irish-exemption/.

All students including those who don’t meet the criteria for an exemption from the study of Irish should be provided with a differentiated approach to teaching and learning in an inclusive school environment. Further information on my department’s policy on inclusive education, including details of supports for children with special educational needs are outlined on the government website: www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/9bf5d3-inclusive-education/.