Irish Exemption Policy
This policy has been set out in accordance with the provisions set out in Circular 0054/2022, EXEMPTIONS FROM THE STUDY OF IRISH REVISING CIRCULAR 0052/2019.
The purpose of this policy is to advise parents and guardians, staff and other professionals of the revised arrangements for the exemption of pupils from the study of Irish.
It supersedes our previous policy and references to Circular 0052/2019 and 0012/1996. Existing exemptions from the study of Irish granted under Circular 0052/2019 and 0012/96 and held by pupils will continue to apply until the end of their post-primary education.
Principles of the Policy
This policy reflects the aims of circular 0054/2022 to support schools in addressing a wide diversity of needs by providing a differentiated learning experience for pupils in an inclusive school environment. It is informed by the benefits of bilingualism for all pupils, as well as the principles of inclusion that underpin the Primary Language Curriculum.
In line with the Department’s policy, St. Matthew’s National school is expected and encouraged to provide all pupils, to the greatest extent possible and in a meaningful way, with opportunities to participate in Irish language and cultural activities at a level appropriate to their learning needs.
Granting an Exemption to the Study of Irish
Exceptional circumstances required
Exempting a pupil from the study of Irish is considered only in exceptional circumstances. The decision to exempt a pupil from the study of Irish is an important decision that has implications for his/her access to the curriculum and his/her future learning.
The decision to grant an exemption from the study of Irish is made following detailed discussion with the pupil’s parent(s)/guardian(s), the class teacher, special education teachers, and the pupil.
A decision to grant an exemption is only considered in the circumstances set out below.
1.A pupil moving from a different country without previous experience of learning the Irish language
An exemption from the study of Irish may be granted to a pupil whose education was received outside the State (for a minimum period of three consecutive years) where he/she did not have opportunity to engage in the study of Irish
AND either (a) or (b)
(a) who is not less than 12 years of age on the day of their enrolment or re-enrolment.
OR
(b) who is enrolling following the completion of the full course of primary education recognised by another state.
2. A pupil who experiences significant literacy difficulties which are an obstacle to their learning across the curriculum
All points below from (i) to (iii) must be met for an exemption from the study of Irish to be granted.
An exemption from the study of Irish may be granted to a pupil:
(i) who has at least reached second class
(ii) who presents with significant literacy difficulties that are persistent despite having had access to a differentiated approach to language and literacy learning in all subjects/across the curriculum and over time. Documentary evidence to this effect, held by the school, should include Student Support Plans detailing:
regular reviews of learning needs as part of an ongoing cycle of assessment
target-setting
evidence-informed intervention and review, including test scores (Word Reading, Reading Comprehension, Spelling, other scores of language/literacy) at key points of review
(iii) who, at the time of the application for exemption presents with a standardised score on a discrete test in either Word Reading, Reading Comprehension or Spelling at/below the 10th percentile.
Normally, pupils availing of an exemption under this category should be encouraged to engage with the study of oral Irish language for as long as possible in keeping with the integrated approach in the Primary Language Curriculum and acknowledging that pupils at a young age adapt and improve over time.
3.A pupil who experiences a high level of multiple and persistent needs that are a significant barrier to the pupil’s participation and engagement in their learning and school life
It is recognised that there is a small cohort of pupils who have a high level of multiple and persistent needs that are a significant barrier to their participation and engagement in their learning and school life. In the case of these pupils, consideration may need to be given to adjusting the range of learning experiences to ensure that their needs are met and that they may engage purposefully in their learning in school. In very exceptional circumstances, this means that consideration may need to be given to exempting them from the study of Irish. All points below from (i) to (vi) must be met for an exemption from the study of Irish to be granted.
An exemption from the study of Irish may be granted to a pupil:
who has at least reached second class
who experiences a high level of multiple and persistent needs that are a very significant and continuing barrier to his/her participation and engagement in his/her learning and school life
whose school has substantial written evidence that these needs persist despite targeted and individualised Student Support Plans to address those needs
whose school has substantial written evidence that these individualised Student Support Plans have been implemented over not less than two school years, and have been monitored and reviewed by the school in collaboration with the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the pupil
who has been given every reasonable opportunity to participate in the learning of Irish in mainstream classes for as long as possible in keeping with the integrated approach in the Primary Language Curriculum and acknowledging that pupils at a young age adapt and improve over time
the principal is satisfied that the granting of an exemption is in the overall best interests of the pupil concerned.
Normally, this will mean that the pupil will be expected to engage with the study of Irish at least to the end of fifth class. However, in very exceptional circumstances, where the principal is satisfied that an exemption is warranted to address the high level of multiple and persistent needs of the pupil, and certifies that all of the conditions in (i) to (vi) above have been met, it may be granted at an earlier stage, but in no case may this be earlier than second class.
4. A pupil in a recognised special school or class or who was previously enrolled in a recognised special school or class or who has a recommendation and has been deemed eligible for a place in a recognised special school and/or in a special class in a mainstream school
(i) Where a pupil is currently enrolled in a recognised special school or special class in a mainstream school or who has previously been enrolled in a recognised special school or special class in a mainstream school and who is transitioning to mainstream provision, that pupil is automatically entitled to an exemption from the study of Irish without an application.
Normally, pupils availing of an exemption under (i) of this category should be encouraged to engage with the study of oral Irish language for as long as possible in keeping with the integrated approach in the Primary Language Curriculum and acknowledging that pupils at a young age adapt and improve over time.
5. A pupil whose parent(s)/guardian(s) is a/are diplomatic or consular representative(s) of another country to Ireland irrespective of age or educational history
An exemption from the study of Irish may be granted to a pupil whose parent(s)/guardian(s) is a/are diplomatic or consular representative(s) of another country to Ireland irrespective of age or educational history.
Standardised Tests Use for Irish Exemption
St. Matthew’s National School use a number of discrete standardised tests. They are individually administered by a member of the Additional Educational Needs Team to a child.
Irish Exemption Record for DES
In order for pupils who are exempt from the study of Irish to be recognised when the Department validates school enrolment returns for grant payment and teacher allocation purposes, St. Matthew’s N.S. will record data on pupils who are exempt from the study of Irish and the reason for that exemption on the Primary Online Database (POD).
Implications of an Irish Exemption
It is important that parents/guardians educate themselves in relation to the implications of their child having an Irish Exemption.
A useful reference website to refer to in relation to further education/third level entry requirements is https://www.qualifax.ie/ It is recommended parents explore this site to identify how an Irish exemption may restrict their child’s educational opportunities in the future.
If your child is granted an Irish Exemption, they may be restricted from certain jobs where Irish may be a requirement, and there may be other longer-term, as yet unforeseen, implications.
Therefore St. Matthew’s N.S.’s goal is to maximise the child's participation and enjoyment in Irish oral language and to ensure the child feels part of the Irish culture and ethos of the school, thereby increasing the likelihood of your child being able to re-engage with Irish in the future.
The school strongly encourages all children to participate in Gaeilge lessons for the duration of their primary education. This ensures your child will have basic Gaeilge skills leaving primary school and enables the child and parents to make an informed and educated decision in relation to Irish exemption when child transfers to Secondary School and prior to child sitting state exams.
Procedures for Granting an Exemption from the Study of Irish
A parent/guardian must make an application in writing to the principal of the school for a Certificate of Exemption from the study of Irish on behalf of a pupil (See Appendix 1).
Steps required for a valid application for an exemption from the study of Irish
The principal will:
Ensure that the date of receipt of the application by the school is recorded on the form (on Appendix 1).
Acknowledge receipt of the application for exemption from the study of Irish in writing.
Discuss the written application with the parent(s)/guardian(s) and confirm the sub-paragraph on which the application is based as soon as practicable following receipt of a written application.
Advise the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the next steps in processing the application.
Inform the parent(s)/guardian(s)/pupil regarding any implication of an exemption from the study of Irish for the student while in post-primary education and into the future.
Inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) that the application will be processed and the outcome confirmed in writing within 21 school days of receipt of the application.
Explain to the parent(s)/guardian(s) that a signed Certificate of Exemption will issue where a decision is reached that an exemption from the study of Irish may be granted.
Inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) that, where an application is refused, the school’s decision may be appealed to the Irish Exemptions Appeal Committee within 30 calendar days from the date the decision of the school was notified to the parent(s)/guardian(s).
Explain to the parent(s)/guardian(s) the arrangements for the pupil’s learning in the case of an exemption being granted.
Considering an Application for Exemption
The principal will:
Review the application and any documentation provided by the applicant(s).
Consult with the pupil’s class teacher (See Appendix 2).
Consult with the special education teacher and the assigned teacher from the Visiting Teacher Service where relevant (See Appendix 2).
Review school documentation for the evidence required under the heading above: Granting an Exemption to the Study of Irish
Recording the Decision
The outcome of the application process will be conveyed by the school principal in writing to parent(s)/guardian(s).
Where an exemption is granted, a Certificate of Exemption, signed and dated by the school principal will be issued. The Certificate of Exemption will also state the name and address of the school, the school roll number, the pupil’s name, date of birth and the sub-paragraph under which the exemption is being granted.
Parents/guardians and pupils should be informed of the option not to exercise the exemption granted, without any loss of the right to exercise it at a future time.
Appeal
Where the application for exemption from the study of Irish is refused, a parent/guardian can appeal the school’s decision to the Irish Exemptions Appeal Committee (IEAC) (Appendix 5). The deliberations of the IEAC will focus solely on the process the school engaged in reaching its decision. The IEAC will consider how the school followed the process as prescribed in this Circular and the accompanying Guidelines for Primary Schools.
An appeal must be lodged within 30 calendar days from the date the decision of the school not to grant an exemption was notified in writing to the parent(s)/guardian(s). The Irish Exemptions Appeal Form and Guidelines for Primary Schools can be accessed at www. education.ie/en/Parents/Information/Irish-Exemption/.
Arrangements for Pupils Who are Exempt from the Study of Irish
To support inclusive practices, a pupil who is exempt from the study of Irish should be included in a meaningful way in aspects of Irish language and cultural activities in line with his/her ability and interests.
St. Matthew’s N.S. will take account of the literacy learning needs of pupils who are exempt from the study of Irish when deploying available additional educational needs resources. Only under exceptional circumstances, will other suitable arrangement may be made such as allocating school work on other subject areas.
Children with an Irish exemption are exempt from completing Irish homework.
Supports for Pupils who Have No Understanding of English when Enrolled
A pupil who has no understanding of English when enrolled and whose education up to 12 years of age or up to the final year of his/her primary education was received outside the state, are provided with intensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) in preparation for his/her full engagement with the Primary Language Curriculum at a level commensurate with his/her ability. Please note that an exemption from the study of Irish cannot be granted solely on the grounds of EAL.
Reporting on Exemptions Granted to the Department of Education
St. Matthew’s N.S. is required to provide statistical information relating to the number and the grounds on which exemptions were granted as part of the Primary School Annual on the Primary Online Database (POD).
A copy of the Certificate of Exemption is also be given to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the pupil being exempted.
Pupils Transitioning to Another School
It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to ensure that a copy of the pupil’s Certificate of Exemption is made available to the receiving school.
Monitoring and Reviewing This Policy
St. Matthew’s N.S. will review this policy in line with Department of Education and Skills guidelines.