Denis Naughten
Question:528 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans, in view of the multicultural mix in many schools to review compulsory Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20151/03]
Vol. 571 No. 1
528 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans, in view of the multicultural mix in many schools to review compulsory Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20151/03]
Due to the special position of Irish in the Constitution there is a constitutional obligation to provide for the central role of Irish as the first language in schools and to respect pupils' rights in this matter. Schools and teachers are advised to provide for pupils of varying abilities through curriculum differentiation and the curriculum in Irish lends itself to such differentiation.
Exemption from the study of Irish may be granted to primary and post primary pupils under certain circumstances outlined in Department circulars 12/96 and 10/96 respectively. Under the terms of the circulars delegated authority to grant exemptions from Irish, within the conditions laid down, has been vested in the individual school authority.