Vol. 474 No. 1
141 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education the position in relation to pupils in secondary schools who suffer from the brain disorder know as attention deficit disorder; if exemptions from studying Irish or other languages can be given; the process for receiving such exemptions; if the exemption applies to attending classes or sitting examinations; the special attention, if any, which can be given to such pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2563/97]
There is a current opinion that some cases of inattention, impulsivity and over-activity among children and young people may be due to minimal brain dysfunction. The opinion is that there is a particular syndrome, often called attention deficit disorder (ADD), the diagnosis of which should be carried out by a multi-disciplinary team. It should be noted that there is still discussion and debate about this matter, including definitions, presenting features and the basis of such syndrome. The degree of severity of behavioural problems and-or of learning difficulties thought to be associated with the syndrome appears to vary considerably between pupils.
In the circumstances, the special educational arrangements which may be appropriate in relation to the presenting behavioural and learning problems must be decided in relation to each individual, and my Department will take the needs of such pupils into account when provision has to be made in schools and as cases are brought to attention. With regard to exemptions from study of Irish, such exemptions may be considered by school managements on application by parents or guardians. Apart from certain instances where pupils have been resident abroad, school authorities may grant exemptions from the study of Irish where pupils fail to attain adequate levels in basic language skills in the mother tongue and where there is evidence of serious intellectual impairment, that is mental handicap, or severe specific learning difficulty or serious sensory impairment.
Evidence of disability has to be furnished by appropriate medical and-or psychological practitioners. A diagnosis of the presence of a certain degree of Attention Deficit Disorder is not in itself sufficient grounds to grant an exemption from the study of Irish. However, where there is failure to attain adequate levels in basic language skills in the mother tongue, accompanied by evidence of general learning difficulty due to serious intellectual impairment or evidence of severe specific learning difficulty or of serious sensory impairment, students diagnosed as having the ADD syndrome may be eligible for consideration for exemption from the study of Irish. The question of the study of languages other than Irish is a matter for decision by the school authorities in consultation with parents and students. It is assumed that decisions on this matter take account of any difficulties students may have in acquiring basic language skills in the mother tongue, and the presence of particular disabilities affecting the acquisition of language skills.
