I can advise the Deputy that I have recently published new circulars on exemptions from the study of Irish 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 parent(s)/guardian(s)/student (if 18 years or over) 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.
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. Latest data is as follows:
|
Year 3
|
Year 3
|
Year 3
|
|
Count Unique Students with Exemptions
|
Count Unique Students with Exemptions
|
Count Unique Students with Exemptions
|
Programme
|
2019
|
2020
|
2021
|
JUNIOR CERTIFICATE SCHOOLS PROG
|
1435
|
1390
|
1642
|
JUNIOR CYCLE
|
5261
|
5418
|
5840
|
Grand Total
|
6696
|
6808
|
7482
|
|
Year 2
Count Unique Students with Exemptions
|
Year 2
Count Unique Students with Exemptions
|
Year 2
Count Unique Students with Exemptions
|
Programme
|
2019
|
2020
|
2021
|
LEAVING CERTIFICATE
|
3867
|
4184
|
4319
|
LEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIED
|
996
|
1081
|
1167
|
LEAVING CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL
|
2068
|
2145
|
2034
|
Grand Total
|
6931
|
7410
|
7520
|
As with all our data, the accuracy of the data we hold is based on the method and details which each post-primary school utilises for making their October Return.