Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
350. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education the latest data on the number of Irish examination exemptions for students of the junior and leaving certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61769/22]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that I have recently published new circulars on exemptions from the study of Irish for implementation in the current school year (2022/23) following an interim review of the 2019 circulars. Circular 0054/2022 applies to recognised English medium primary schools and Circular 0055/2022 applies to recognised English medium post-primary schools.
The parent(s)/guardian(s)/student (if 18 years or over) make an application for an exemption from the study of Irish to the school. It is a matter for the school to consider the application in accordance with the criteria set out in the relevant circular.
The only circumstances in which a school may grant an exemption from the study of Irish are those set out in section 2 of the relevant circulars. Latest data is as follows:
|
Year 3 |
Year 3 |
Year 3 |
|
|
Count Unique Students with Exemptions |
Count Unique Students with Exemptions |
Count Unique Students with Exemptions |
|
|
Programme |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
JUNIOR CERTIFICATE SCHOOLS PROG |
1435 |
1390 |
1642 |
|
JUNIOR CYCLE |
5261 |
5418 |
5840 |
|
Grand Total |
6696 |
6808 |
7482 |
|
Year 2 Count Unique Students with Exemptions |
Year 2 Count Unique Students with Exemptions |
Year 2 Count Unique Students with Exemptions |
|
|
Programme |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
LEAVING CERTIFICATE |
3867 |
4184 |
4319 |
|
LEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIED |
996 |
1081 |
1167 |
|
LEAVING CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL |
2068 |
2145 |
2034 |
|
Grand Total |
6931 |
7410 |
7520 |
As with all our data, the accuracy of the data we hold is based on the method and details which each post-primary school utilises for making their October Return.
