Vol. 497 No. 2
380 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the guidelines or regulations enforced pertaining to pupils previously resident overseas and now attending school in Ireland with regard to the requirement to study Irish; the plans, if any, he has to alter the existing requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24441/98]
The regulations governing exemption from the study of Irish are circularised to schools in the form of a circular letter. The regulations contain provision for children who previously resided overseas and subsequently enrol in primary and second level schools in the State.
At primary and second level, pupils may be allowed exemption from the study of Irish in the following circumstances: (i) pupils whose primary education up to 11 years of age was received in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland; (ii) pupils who were previously enrolled as recognised pupils who are being re-enrolled at second level 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.
Pupils in second level may be allowed to substitute any other approved subject for Irish in order to make up the minimum number of subjects to be studied.
The managerial authorities of primary and second-level schools have been delegated authority by the Department to grant exemption in accordance with prescribed procedures and criteria and subject to monitoring by the Department.
The criteria providing for exemption are kept under review and are updated periodically to take account of new circumstances. The most recent review of the criteria took place in 1994. If the Deputy has proposals to make in relation to the matter any such proposals would be welcomed.
