Brian O'Shea
Question:1284 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will grant exemption from Irish to a person, details supplied, in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2199/01]
Written Answers. - Study of Irish.
Exemption from the study of Irish may be granted to primary pupils under certain circumstances outlined in Department Circular 12/96. Copies of this circular are available on request from primary administration section 1, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, County Westmeath.
Under the terms of Circular 12/96 delegated authority to grant exemptions from Irish, within the conditions laid down in the circular, has been vested in the individual school authority. In the case referred to by the Deputy, if the school authority is refusing to grant an exemption which is warranted under the terms of the circular, the matter can be brought to the attention of primary administration section 1. However, the matter should in the first instance be raised with the school that the pupil is attending.