Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2011
179 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on examining the criteria for an Irish language exemption in primary and secondary schools to include consideration of children with diagnoses of Asperger’s syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24912/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recent years, my Department has given some consideration to consolidating and updating the departmental circulars which deal with exemptions from the study of Irish in recognised primary (12/96) and post-primary schools (M10/94). All aspects of the current arrangements are under consideration including issues in respect of students with special educational needs. The intention is to consider the matter on a comprehensive basis rather than isolate any one aspect of the existing arrangements. Therefore a revised circular is unlikely to issue until consideration is complete including consideration of students with special educational needs.
