Written answers
Tuesday, 20 February 2024
Department of Education and Skills
Irish Language
Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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247. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills regarding the recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community, specifically those pertaining to the exemption from Irish for dyslexic children and young people, if she is aware of the disappointment of The Dyslexia Association of Ireland that their points and views/recommendations which they presented to the Committee on 12 October 2022 have not been sufficiently taken into account in the Committee’s report or its recommendations; if she will confirm why the recommendations of The Dyslexia Association of Ireland were not adequately considered; if the views of The Dyslexia Association of Ireland will be fully taken into account before making any final decision regarding the new policy for the allocation of exemptions from Irish for dyslexic children and young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7416/24]
Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can advise the Deputy that I am considering the report of the Oireachtas Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community which was published on 7thFebruary.
In my own evidence to the Committee, I very much addressed the daily challenges faced by children with special educational needs and the importance of recognising these genuine challenges, and, where it is possible to do so, to seek to alleviate them while still recognising the importance of the Irish language.
My Department consulted widely with stakeholders, including the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, in drafting the circulars on exemptions from the study of Irish and are very conscious of their concerns.
I can assure the Deputy, that I will give detailed consideration to the Oireachtas Committee’s report and in doing so, will take account of the views of all stakeholder groups.
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