IPPN

Published: 22 September 2022

Circular 54/2022 relates to updated regulations concerning Exemptions from the study of Irish in Primary Schools. The purpose of the following piece is to provide a brief overview of the circular. Where a query in relation to such exemptions arises in the school, IPPN strongly advises the school leader to read the circular itself.

Circular 54/2022 was issued on 25 August 2022 and revises Circular 52/2019

Rationale
This circular emphasises the value of all children studying Irish, the first language of the state, particularly in the context of the Primary Language Curriculum, which takes an integrated approach to language study and acknowledges that young children adapt and improve their language skills over time.

The Primary Language Curriculum is informed by the benefits of bilingualism and by the principles of inclusion. It is designed as a Curriculum for children of all abilities in all school contexts and supports the provision of a differentiated learning experience for pupils in an inclusive school environment.

This rationale underpins the emphasis on pupils under 12 continuing to study Irish with limited exceptions

Important Takeaways
Firstly, this Circular now requires that schools record data on pupils who are exempt from the study of Irish and the reason for that exemption on the Primary Online Database (POD)

Secondly, it clarifies that the only circumstances in which consideration may be given to granting an exemption from the study of Irish are set out in subsection 2.2 of the Circular

Thirdly, the circular re-iterates that it is in the interests of the child to study Irish until at least Rang V or Rang VI before making a decision regarding an exemption from Irish.

Exempting a pupil from the study of Irish
This can only be done in exceptional circumstances by the Principal, in consultation with the child’s parents/guardians, the Class Teacher, the Special Education Teacher and the child

The Circular lists five reasons where an Exemption from the study of Irish might be considered.
The first relates to a pupil who has spent at least 3 years in a school outside Ireland without the opportunity to study Irish. That pupil must be at least 12 years of age on enrolment or re-enrolment OR have completed a full primary education course in another country.

The second relates to pupils who experience significant literacy difficulties, which are an obstacle to their learning across the curriculum. There are three conditions attached to granting pupils in this category an exemption. The first is that the pupil must have reached at least Second Class. The other two conditions relate to the significant literacy difficulties and prescribe the documentary evidence required by the school to substantiate it.

The third relates to pupils who experience 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. There are five conditions attached to granting pupils in this category an exemption. The first is that the pupil must have reached at least Second Class. Three of the other four conditions relate to the documentary evidence required by the school to substantiate the pupil’s needs, which hinder his/her learning and school life. The final condition is that the principal is satisfied that the granting of an exemption is in the overall best interests of the pupil concerned.

The Fourth relates to pupils in a special school or special class OR who have a recommendation and have been deemed eligible for a place in a special school and/or in a special class in a mainstream school.

• A pupil who is enrolled in a special school or special class or who was previously enrolled in a special school or special class and who is now transitioning to a mainstream provision is automatically entitled to an exemption from the study of Irish without an application.
• A pupil who has a recommendation and has been deemed eligible for a place in a special school and/or in a special class in a mainstream school is required to apply for an exemption from the study of Irish.

The Fifth Reason relates to a pupil, one or both of whose parents/guardians are diplomatic or consular representative(s) of another country to Ireland. An exemption may be granted to such children irrespective of age or educational history.

The Application Process

• An application form for parents/guardians is available in the DE publication “Exemptions from the Study of Irish: Guidelines for Primary Schools”. Alternatively they may make a written application to the principal
• The school should mark the date of receipt on the application and acknowledge it in writing
• The school will contact the applicants to confirm the sub-paragraph on which the application for exemption is based and to advise them of the steps in the process, to be completed within 21 days.
  

The Principal will make a decision on granting a Certificate of Exemption having reviewed the application documentation, consulted the relevant teachers within the school and the relevant DE, NEPS or NCCA Guidelines, as appropriate.

Where an exemption is granted, a Certificate of Exemption will be issued to the applicants. A copy of the application form and all supporting documentation will be retained in the school and may be inspected by authorised officers of the DE. The pupil’s POD record must also be updated to reflect the granting of an Exemption from the study of Irish and the reason for it.

In addition to the Certificate of Exemption, the principal is obliged to inform the applicants: 

•  Of the arrangements for the pupil’s teaching and learning
•  That the pupil will be exposed to incidental learning of Irish through its use in the school environment
•  Of the option not to exercise the Exemption at present without losing the option to use it at a later time

A copy of the Certificate is available in the Dept. publication “Exemptions from the Study of Irish: Guidelines for Primary Schools”.
Where an exemption is refused the applicants will be informed and a copy of the application form and all supporting documentation will be retained in the school for at least the duration of the pupil’s attendance at the school

Appealing an Exemption
Where an application has been refused the applicants may appeal the refusal to the Irish Exemptions Appeal Committee. The committee will make a decision on whether the exemption should or should not be granted.

In making a decision the IEAC will consider the decision of the school and the grounds given for refusing the application, the criteria set out in this Circular and any supporting documentation that was available to the school, contained in the Student Support Plan(s) and any supplementary information provided to the school by the applicant.

An Appeal application is available in the Dept. publication “Exemptions from the Study of Irish: Guidelines for Primary Schools”.