Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
350. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an exemption can be made in the case of a person (details supplied); the steps which need to be taken in order for this to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24737/18]
View answerExemptions from the study of Irish are granted in accordance with the provisions of Departmental Circular 12/96 for primary schools. The criteria provides that exemptions may be granted by school authorities for certain categories of students with special educational needs as set out in this Circular. Currently, a diagnosis of Dyspraxia is not among the categories of special educational need for which an exemption may be granted.
If a school is uncertain as to whether a pupil's circumstances fall within the criteria of Circular 12/96 or where a school's decision to refuse an application for an exemption is queried, it is open to either the school or the parent/guardian to seek advice from my Department as to the application of the criteria for an exemption to a particular case. Officials from my Department will contact the Deputy with the details of how a request for advice in respect of the Irish exemption circulars may be processed.
