Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2004
238 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review a decision not to grant a person (details supplied) in County Dublin an exemption in Irish; the reason such a decision refusing this person an exemption was made without consultation with their medical team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33624/04]
View answerThe guidelines in relation to an exemption from Irish at post-primary level are outlined at rule 46 of the Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools and in circular letter M10/94. Under the terms of this circular, my Department has delegated authority to the principals of second level schools to grant the exemptions provided that the pupil meets the criteria as set down.
As regards the specific case referred to by the Deputy, the pupil did not meet the criteria as set down in circular M10/94 and therefore the exemption could not be granted at school level. On receipt of a written appeal to my Department the case, including all medical evidence submitted by the pupil's parents and all supporting documentation from the school, was given further detailed consideration. The advice of the inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, was sought.
However, as the pupil still does not satisfy the criteria for exemption it has not been possible to grant such an exemption in this case.
