I can advise the Deputy that a detailed response has issued to the person concerned.
The parents/ guardians make an application for an exemption from the study of Irish to the school. It is a matter for the school to consider the application in accordance with the criteria set out in the relevant circular.
I have recently published new circulars on exemptions for implementation in the current school year (2022/23) following an interim review of the 2019 circulars. Circular 0054/2022 applies to recognised English medium primary schools and Circular 0055/2022 applies to recognised English medium post primary schools.
The only circumstances in which a school may grant an exemption from the study of Irish are those set out in section 2 of the relevant circulars. The 2019 and 2022 circulars on exemptions from the study of Irish have moved away from a diagnostic, categorical model to a needs based model. Therefore a psychological report is not required. An external report which recommends an exemption from a psychologist, speech and language therapist (SLT), Psychiatrist, GP or other practitioner, may be helpful to the school in considering how they are meeting an individual student’s needs but is not the deciding factor for the principal to grant an exemption. When schools receive reports from a psychologist or other specialist recommending an Irish Exemption, the onus is on the school to consider their own testing and the student’s performance in school. This is the evidence required by the circular.
For students with significant literacy needs, such as those where there are concerns that literacy attainments remain, despite intervention, at/below the 10th percentile, the school will most likely be providing support through the SET Teacher. These teachers undertake assessment and identification of need as part of their problem solving approach and development of Student Support Plans. The granting of an Irish exemption emerges from this process. Therefore the school will have evidence on an individual’s Student Support file to support the application. The granting of an exemption from the study of Irish should not be a key factor in planning for the provision of special education teaching for a student or for testing.
The newly issued circulars also now provide for students who experience a high level of multiple and persistent needs that are a significant barrier to the students participation and engagement in their learning and school life.
The individual concerned has been advised to discuss the matter with the school principal in the context of the newly issued circulars.
