Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

289. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the record number of exemptions from the study of Irish now affecting over 60,000 post-primary students, representing more than 14% of the school population, the number of exemptions granted to DEIS schools; the provision her Department has made to ensure that alternative arrangements have been made to support those schools, to reduce the number of exemptions in those schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66781/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can advise the Deputy that my department is committed to the Irish language as a core element of the school curriculum. Irish is a vital part of our national identity and educational heritage, and its promotion remains a key priority.

In certain circumstances, a primary pupil or post-primary student may be granted an exemption from studying Irish. School management holds the authority to grant an exemption.

Statistics on exemptions from the study of Irish are available on our website:

In 2024/25, 20,713 (34%) exemptions from the study of Irish held at post-primary level are held by students enrolled in a DEIS school.

The number of exemptions from the study of Irish held by students should be seen in the broader context:

• School enrolments at post-primary level have increased from 362,899 in 2018/19 to 425,411 in 2024/25, representing an increase of 17% at post-primary level.
• In 2024/25, there were 56,555 non-Irish nationals enrolled in post-primary schools.
• Over 17,000 students from Ukraine are currently enrolled in our schools, over 10,000 at primary level and over 7,000 at post-primary.
• The number of children with more complex special educational needs is increasing and this is evidenced by the almost 1,700 new special classes that have been provided in mainstream schools over the last five years and special school enrolments are increasing by 300 each year.
• There are almost 28,000 students with special educational needs enrolled in special classes and special schools in the 2024/2025 school year. This equates to almost 3% of our overall primary and post-primary student population.

• The department has recently published a new policy on Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht.
• An action plan for Irish in English-medium schools has also recently been published.
• Redeveloped Irish language curriculums at primary and Junior cycle level and work ongoing at senior cycle level.
• Supports and resources provided through COGG including very successful upskilling Irish language classes, a guidance toolkit which promotes careers and third level education opportunities with Irish, development of Irish resources to support learners with special educational needs, the development of An Tairseach, a portal to provide access to resources for Gaeltacht and Irish-medium schools and resources to support PE through Gaeilge.
• Teacher education and training including empowering teachers to use differentiated approaches in teaching the Irish language, in order to support children and young people with a diversity of needs.
• Funding to Foras na Gaeilge to progress a number of initiatives including the Gaelbhratach programme, further development of Seideán Sí and the development of an Irish/ Irish Dictionary.
• Ongoing work on the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) project in conjunction with the department’s support service OIDE and COGG.
• Ongoing teacher professional learning provided by Oide, the department’s professional learning support service.

• Access to the Schools Completion Programme

  The SCP works with students who are at risk of earl school leaving.

• Additional Guidance hours

  Post-primary schools in the DEIS programme have access to extra guidance hours.

• Access to the Home School Liaison scheme (HSCL)

  The HSCL scheme provides support to families, schools and communities to encourage and help students attend and stay in school.

• Access to the School Meals programme
• Professional supports through Oide