Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 April 2012
73 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of pupils nationwide who have secured an exemption from sitting Irish for the leaving certificate this year; the total number of pupils who secured exemptions from Irish in each of the past five years separately; the number of exempted pupils in 2012 who study a foreign language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20673/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra74 Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Skills in respect of the rules set out in Circular M10/94, the number of pupils who receive an exemption under the following sections of part C: pupils who function intellectually at average or above average level but 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; pupils who have been assessed as having a general learning disability due to serious intellectual impairment, that is, a mental handicap and are also failing to attain adequate levels in basic language skills in the mother tongue; pupils who have been assessed as having a general learning disability due to serious sensory impairment and are also failing to attain adequate levels in basic language skills in the mother tongue; if there are any plans to update this circular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20674/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.
The information sought by the Deputy on exemptions from the study of Irish held by students in post-primary schools is not readily available. I have asked my officials to compile the information and to forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available. The specific information sought by the Deputy regarding the breakdown of exemptions granted under the different categories of learning disability is not available as this information is not included in the returns made by post-primary schools to my Department. My Department is currently reviewing the circulars which deal with exemptions from the study of Irish in recognised primary (12/96) and post-primary schools (M10/94).
