Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2022
112. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if her Department will reassess the policy in relation to the Irish exemption and autism to offer an exemption on the basis that a child has a significant processing disorder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3805/22]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that in accordance with the circulars on exemptions from the study of Irish (0052/2019 primary and 0053/2019 post primary), the Department has commenced an initial review of the operation of those circulars.
In recognising the linguistic, social and cultural importance of Irish and English in Ireland, both languages are included as core subjects in the national curricula for recognised primary and post-primary schools and centres for education in Ireland. This has been the case since the foundation of the State and the importance of the teaching of both languages in this way has been re-affirmed on a number of occasions by the State, including most recently in the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 .
Recent changes to the Irish curriculum both at primary level and at junior cycle are informed by the principles of inclusion and the benefits of bilingualism for all pupils. The Primary Languages Curriculum (2015) is an integrated Irish/ English Curriculum designed for all children of all abilities in all school contexts. It recognises and supports pupils’ engagement with Irish and English at different stages and rates along their language-learning journey. It builds on the language knowledge and experience that pupils bring to the school.
The Progression Continua in the Primary Language Curriculum provide a framework for teachers to identify the pupil’s stage of language development and to plan interventions that support the development of language skills and competences in Irish and in English in an integrated manner, emphasising the transferability of language skills across languages
Building on students’ language learning experience as provided for in the Primary Language Curriculum, the specification for Junior Cycle Irish (2014) aims to consolidate and deepen their knowledge, understanding, values and language skills supporting their personal, cognitive and social development. The learning outcomes presented in the specification apply to all students. Students should be encouraged to study the language and achieve a level of personal proficiency that is appropriate to their ability.
However, the circulars provide that in some exceptional circumstances, an exemption from the study of Irish may be considered. The criteria for those exceptional circumstances are now being reviewed.
