Richard Bruton
Question:211 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education the criteria which are applied when children who have been educated overseas seek an exemption from the study of Irish; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Exemption from Study of Irish.
I propose to amend Rule 46 of the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, and the circular giving details of the new arrangements is being issued to all schools.
Under the new arrangements, an exemption from the study of Irish may be granted to the following categories of children who have been educated overseas: (a) Pupils whose primary education up to age eleven was received in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland; (b) Pupils who were previously enrolled as recognised pupils in a primary or second-level school who are being re-enrolled after a period spent abroad, provided that at least three years have elapsed since the previous enrolment in the State and the pupil is at least 11 years of age on re-enrolment; (c) Pupils from abroad, who have no understanding of English, when enrolled, would be required to study one language only, Irish or English.