Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2019
149. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps parents can take to seek a secondary school exemption in Irish for their child in circumstances in which the school is not willing or able to grant an exemption; if the parents can make a direct application to his Department for an exemption for their child; if so, the process; and if he will review this decision. [20403/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo apply for an exemption from the study of Irish, a written application for the exemption should be made by the parent or guardian to the school principal on behalf of their child. The application should state the reasons why the exemption is being sought.
A child will only be considered for an exemption where his/her educational circumstances come within the provisions of the post primary circular (M10/94). As per the Circular a decision to grant an exemption will be conveyed to the parent or guardian by way of a written certificate, signed by the school principal.
If a school is uncertain as to whether a pupil’s circumstances fall within the criteria of Circular 10/94 or whether a school’s decision to refuse an application is queried, it is open to either the school or the parent/guardian to seek advice from my Department as to the application of the exemption criteria to the specific circumstances of a child. Any request for advice should be made in writing and should include all relevant documentation including up to date relevant reports from medical specialists etc. The request for advice can be submitted to the Irish Exemptions Section, Department of Education and Skills, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 X659. Following full consideration of all documentation submitted, my Department will issue its advice to the parents and the school.
I would also like to inform the Deputy that the Irish Exemptions process is currently under review and following public consultation, a new circular on Irish Exemptions should issue in the third quarter of 2019.
