Irish Exemptions
In certain circumstances, children can be exempted from the study of Irish in school. At second level, this covers attendance in class and the State exams (Junior Cert, Leaving Cert etc). At primary level, children remain in class but can use the time to focus on other work or still participate in oral activities, songs, games in Irish etc.
Who is eligible for exemption?
There are several categories including*:
(i) children who have no English when enrolled (e.g. children from abroad)
(ii) children of diplomats on posting to Ireland
(iii) children whose education up to age 11 was outside the state
(iv) children who have a valid, current Educational Psychologist's report stating they are eligible for exemption. (You have up to two years from the report date to apply under this category, so plenty of time to consider your options.)
(v) children of refugees
*This is an extract from the guidelines. More details on the link at the end of this page.
Eligibility for an exemption does not necessarily mean it must be applied for at primary level or at all. 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. The decision to apply is taken by parents/guardians, taking into account the advice of any professionals involved. Some children will require more than one Educational Psychologist's report during their time in school, as their needs change - if the first report does not recommend exemption or more than two years elapses before you apply for it, a second report may allow another opportunity.
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, medical reports 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.
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 covers attendance in class and the State exams (Junior Cert, Leaving Cert etc). At primary level, children remain in class but can use the time to focus on other work or still participate in oral activities, songs, games in Irish etc.
Who is eligible for exemption?
There are several categories including*:
(i) children who have no English when enrolled (e.g. children from abroad)
(ii) children of diplomats on posting to Ireland
(iii) children whose education up to age 11 was outside the state
(iv) children who have a valid, current Educational Psychologist's report stating they are eligible for exemption. (You have up to two years from the report date to apply under this category, so plenty of time to consider your options.)
(v) children of refugees
*This is an extract from the guidelines. More details on the link at the end of this page.
Eligibility for an exemption does not necessarily mean it must be applied for at primary level or at all. 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. The decision to apply is taken by parents/guardians, taking into account the advice of any professionals involved. Some children will require more than one Educational Psychologist's report during their time in school, as their needs change - if the first report does not recommend exemption or more than two years elapses before you apply for it, a second report may allow another opportunity.
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, medical reports 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.
More information from the Department of Education's circulars here.