The requirements in relation to Irish which are set out in Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools must be seen in the broader context of the requirements which apply to the curriculum in secondary schools generally. The curriculum of a secondary school must include instruction in a syllabus approved by the Minister in Irish as one of a number of subjects.
The approved course for junior pupils in secondary schools must include a number of specified subjects, one of which is Irish.
In the case of the established leaving certificate, the approved course for recognised senior pupils must include not less than five subjects from a specified list. One of these must be Irish. Both the leaving certificate vocational programme and the leaving certificate applied have specific requirements regarding subjects to be studied. The study of Irish is a requirement for both of these courses.
It is important to point out that the requirements in relation to Irish have to do with the study of that subject. There is no minimum grade requirement in the case of Irish or any other subject for the award of a certificate in the junior certificate or the leaving certificate examinations.
The requirements which apply to Irish and to other subjects which must be studied exist in order to ensure that pupils receive a broad and balanced education. An exemption from the study of Irish is granted subject to certain conditions which have been communicated to all schools. These apply to the children of foreigners who are consular or diplomatic representatives in Ireland, to those who have had extended periods of residency in other states and to students with certain learning disabilities. Students who are granted such an exemption may substitute another subject from an approved list of subjects for Irish.