Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
466. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if she will clarify the process for securing a certificate of exemption from studying Irish at primary school level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46514/21]
View answerDetailed information, guidance and Frequently Asked Questions on exemptions from the study of Irish are available on the website gov.ie/en/service/irish-exemption/.
The procedures are set out in Section 2.3 of the relevant circular: 0052/2019 primary and 0053/2019 post primary as follows:
A parent/guardian must make an application in writing to the principal of the school for a Certificate of Exemption from the study of Irish on behalf of a pupil.
Considering an application for exemption:
The principal will:
Ensure that the date of receipt of the application by the school is recorded on the form.
Acknowledge receipt of the application for exemption from the study of Irish in writing.
Discuss the written application with the parent(s)/guardian(s) and confirm the sub-paragraph on which the application is based (2.2a, 2.2b, 2.2c or 2.2d) as soon as practicable following receipt of a written application
Advise the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the next steps in processing the application.
Inform the parent(s)/guardian(s)/pupil regarding any implication of an exemption from the study of Irish for the student while in post-primary education and into the future.
Inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) that the application will be processed and the outcome confirmed in writing within 21 school days of receipt of the application.
Explain to the parent(s)/guardian(s) that a signed Certificate of Exemption will issue where a decision is reached that an exemption from the study of Irish may be granted.
Inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) that, where an application is refused, the school’s decision may be appealed to the Irish Exemptions Appeal Committee within 30 calendar days from the date the decision of the school was notified to the parent(s)/guardian(s).
Explain to the parent(s)/guardian(s) the arrangements for the pupil’s learning in the case of an exemption being granted.
Recording the decision
The outcome of the application process will be conveyed by the school principal in writing to the parent(s)/guardian(s).
Where an exemption is granted, a Certificate of Exemption, signed and dated by the school principal will be issued. The Certificate of Exemption will also state the name and address of the school, the school roll number, the pupil’s name, date of birth and the sub-paragraph under which the exemption is being granted.
Parents/guardians and pupils should be informed of the option not to exercise the exemption granted, without any loss of the right to exercise it at a future time.
