Circular letter M10/94 sets out the circumstances in which certain pupils may be allowed to substitute any other subject, from the list of approved subjects, for Irish, in second-level schools. These pupils include those who have a specific learning disability of such a degree of severity that they fail to achieve expected levels of attainment in basic language skills in the mother tongue.
School managements are authorised to grant exemptions from the study of Irish in accordance with prescribed procedures. These include a written application made by a parent or guardian to the principal of the school, the preparation of a written report on the student by the school authorities in consultation with relevant teachers and, in the case of an application for exemption on the grounds of specific learning disability, the provision of a report from a qualified psychologist. Circular M10/94 sets out the criteria for determining whether a specific learning disability exists. Guidelines for psychologists on assessment and reporting on this matter were issued to psychologists by my Department in March 1995.
The decision to grant an exemption is made by the school authorities and is conveyed to the parent or guardian by way of a written certificate.
A copy of this certificate is sent to the Department.
The provision of such a certificate excuses a student from the study of Irish in accordance with the terms of circular M10/94 and allows her/him to substitute another subject from the list of approved subjects.
The operation of the rule under which exemptions from the study of Irish may be granted will be reviewed at the end of this school year.
The position in relation to primary school pupils is that circular 10/94 is being adapted to meet the needs of primary level. It is expected that this circular will be ready for issue to schools in the near future.
