Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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291. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will outline the process through which a student can obtain an exemption from the study of Irish at secondary school level; and the criteria to be met in order to eligible for the exemption. [21566/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The linguistic, social and cultural importance of Irish is recognised in the constitution and both English and Irish 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, including 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. In that context, exemptions from the study of Irish may only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

The circumstances where an exemption from the study of Irish may be granted are set out in Section 2.2 of Circulars 0054/2022 – Primary and 0055/2022 – Post-primary. My department has provided a webpage on exemptions from the study of Irish that includes a question and answer sheet for parents as well as guidelines for school staff considering applications for exemptions from the study of Irish. These can be accessed here: www.gov.ie/en/service/irish-exemption/

An application for an exemption is made on an application form which is sent to the Principal of the school where the child is enrolled. Copies of the application form can be downloaded from the department’s website. The school will consider the application under the terms of the circular and following the guidelines provided in the circular and associated documents.

The decision to exempt a student from the study of Irish is an important decision that has implications for a student’s future learning. The decision to grant an exemption from the study of Irish is made by the principal, but it must be made following detailed discussion with the student, their parent(s)/guardian(s), teachers (including special education teachers as appropriate).

The only circumstances in which an exemption from the study of Irish can be granted are those set out in Circular 0054/2022 & Circular 0055/2022, Section 2.2. The circulars provide detailed criteria for each of the grounds where an exemption may be granted, a difficulty learning Irish alone is not sufficient. For Post-primary school students, an exemption from the study of Irish may be considered for:

• A student moving from a different country without previous experience of learning the Irish language, subject to the conditions as outlined in subsection 2.2.1 of the Circular.
• A student who experiences significant literacy difficulties which are a continuing obstacle to their learning in all subjects despite targeted supports and intervention over time as outlined in subsection 2.2.2 of the Circular.
• A student who experiences a high level of multiple and persistent needs that are a significant barrier to the student’s participation and engagement in their learning and school life despite targeted supports and intervention over time as outlined in subsection 2.2.3 of the Circular.
• A student in a recognised special school or class or who was previously enrolled in a recognised special school or class or who has a recommendation and has been deemed eligible for a place in a recognised special school and/or in a special class in a mainstream school according to the details outlined in subsection 2.2.4 of the Circular.