Irish Exemptions
- In certain circumstances, children can be exempted from the study of Irish in school. At second level, this excuses attendance in class and the State Irish exams (Junior Cert, Leaving Cert etc). At primary level, children remain in class but can use the time to focus on other work while still participating in oral activities, songs, games in Irish etc.
- As from September 2019, the school is the authority that can decide on exemptions. An application is granted on request, based on the criteria below. Where an application is refused, a parent/guardian can appeal within 30 days to the Irish Exemptions Appeal committee (IEAC)
- An exemption, once granted, is valid throughout a child's enrolment in primary and post-primary school.
- The decision to apply is taken by parents/guardians, taking into account the advice of any professionals involved. Eligibility for an exemption does not necessarily mean it must be applied for at primary level or at all. If granted, there is an option not to exercise it immediately without any loss of the right to exercise it at a future time. Not studying Irish and passing the State exams in it may restrict career choice if Irish is required for entry e.g. teaching, a career in radio or TV etc.
Who is eligible for exemption?
There are several categories including*:
(i) children of diplomats on posting to Ireland
(ii) children aged 12 whose primary education was outside the state or are re-enrolling after a period abroad
(iii) children who have a valid, current Educational Psychologist's report stating they are eligible for exemption.
N.B. as from September 2019, a report, while useful, is no longer essential.
(iv) children with significant and sustained learning difficulties who have at least reached second class and have a literacy attainment score at/below the 10th percentile in either Word Reading, Reading Comprehension or Spelling.
(v) children of refugees
*This is an extract from the guidelines. More details on the link at the end of this page.
I think my child would qualify. How do I get an Irish exemption?
Write a letter requesting the exemption or collect a Request form from the school office/your child's teacher. The request must be completed by the child's legal guardians. Supporting documents must be provided e.g. evidence of diplomatic status, birth/education outside the state, educational psychologist report, literacy tests below the 10th percentile etc. (Check with the school as we may hold some of these already). Your request is then considered by the Board of Management. If approved, a certificate is issued to you by the school and a copy sent to the Department of Education. The signed request and supporting documents are held on file in school and may be checked by School Inspectors. If you move between primary schools, it is your responsibility to make your copy of the Exemption available to the new school; we cannot forward information directly but, if asked, we will send/give what we have to you - you can then bring it to the next school.
More information from the Department of Education's circulars here.
- In certain circumstances, children can be exempted from the study of Irish in school. At second level, this excuses attendance in class and the State Irish exams (Junior Cert, Leaving Cert etc). At primary level, children remain in class but can use the time to focus on other work while still participating in oral activities, songs, games in Irish etc.
- As from September 2019, the school is the authority that can decide on exemptions. An application is granted on request, based on the criteria below. Where an application is refused, a parent/guardian can appeal within 30 days to the Irish Exemptions Appeal committee (IEAC)
- An exemption, once granted, is valid throughout a child's enrolment in primary and post-primary school.
- The decision to apply is taken by parents/guardians, taking into account the advice of any professionals involved. Eligibility for an exemption does not necessarily mean it must be applied for at primary level or at all. If granted, there is an option not to exercise it immediately without any loss of the right to exercise it at a future time. Not studying Irish and passing the State exams in it may restrict career choice if Irish is required for entry e.g. teaching, a career in radio or TV etc.
Who is eligible for exemption?
There are several categories including*:
(i) children of diplomats on posting to Ireland
(ii) children aged 12 whose primary education was outside the state or are re-enrolling after a period abroad
(iii) children who have a valid, current Educational Psychologist's report stating they are eligible for exemption.
N.B. as from September 2019, a report, while useful, is no longer essential.
(iv) children with significant and sustained learning difficulties who have at least reached second class and have a literacy attainment score at/below the 10th percentile in either Word Reading, Reading Comprehension or Spelling.
(v) children of refugees
*This is an extract from the guidelines. More details on the link at the end of this page.
I think my child would qualify. How do I get an Irish exemption?
Write a letter requesting the exemption or collect a Request form from the school office/your child's teacher. The request must be completed by the child's legal guardians. Supporting documents must be provided e.g. evidence of diplomatic status, birth/education outside the state, educational psychologist report, literacy tests below the 10th percentile etc. (Check with the school as we may hold some of these already). Your request is then considered by the Board of Management. If approved, a certificate is issued to you by the school and a copy sent to the Department of Education. The signed request and supporting documents are held on file in school and may be checked by School Inspectors. If you move between primary schools, it is your responsibility to make your copy of the Exemption available to the new school; we cannot forward information directly but, if asked, we will send/give what we have to you - you can then bring it to the next school.
More information from the Department of Education's circulars here.