Vol. 435 No. 10
170 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education the categories of students at primary and post primary level who are exempt from taking Gaeilge/Irish as a school subject; and if she will make a statement on the anomalies between the levels on this point.
The regulations governing exemption from studying Irish in primary and post-primary schools have recently been under review in my Department.
Following full consideration of the matter I have decided that exemption may be granted to pupils in the following circumstances: (i) where primary education up to 11 years of age was received in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland; (ii) where pupils who were previously enrolled as recognised pupils in a primary or second-level school are being reenrolled after a period spent abroad, provided that at least three years has elapsed since the previous enrolment in the State; (iii) where pupils function intellectually at average or above average level but have a specific learning disability of such a degree of severity that they fail to achieve expected levels of attainment in basic language skills in the mother tongue or where pupils have been assessed as having a general learning disability due to serious intellectual or sensory impairment and are also failing to obtain adequate levels in basic language skills in the mother language. The evidence of such a disability should be furnished by a qualified psychologist and in addition a full report on the pupils should be furnished by the school, and (iv) where pupils from abroad, who have no understanding of English, are enrolled, they will be required to study one language, only, Irish or English.
A circular letter will be issued to schools shortly outlining the revised regulations as set out above.
