asked the Minister for Education whether his inspectorate indicate to the teachers concerned that weaker pupils in national schools may pursue special mathematics or English language studies in a period normally assigned for Irish studies; and the advice his inspectors give to teachers of Irish in second-level schools in relation to pupils who come to them with little grounding in Irish as a result of the practices mentioned.
Written Answers. - Irish Studies.
126.
The study of Irish is essential for all pupils in national schools with the exception of certain categories of handicapped children, e.g. children with a serious sensory or intellectual disability. Inspectors would not offer advice as stated in the first part of the question. The second part, accordingly, does not arise.