Exemption from studying Irish

Exemptions from Irish 2022-2023

If you want to apply for an exemption from studying Irish in school, you must meet the criteria set out in the Department of Education’s Circular 54/2022 (for primary schools) and Circular 55/2022 (for post-primary schools).

For more information on the criteria for getting an exemption from Irish - see 'Who can apply for an exemption from studying Irish’ below.

Exemptions given before 2022

An exemption from the study of Irish can only be made under the rules outlined in the Circular in place at the time of application. You can find more information about the rules governing the exemption from Irish before September 2022 from the Department of Education.

Applications processed up to 31 August 2022 can be decided on under the rules of the new circulars or previous circulars, depending on what best suits the student.

Irish language requirements for third-level courses

If entry to a third-level course requires a student to have a certain mark in Irish at the Leaving Certificate examination, students who have been exempted from the study of Irish may also be exempted from this requirement. This is a matter for each individual college. If you are applying for a third-level course through the Central Applications Office (CAO), you should send a copy of the exemption certificate with your CAO application form.

If you didn’t get an exemption from Irish in school under the rules set by the Department of Education, you can still apply to the third-level institute for an exemption from Irish in their entry level requirements. The third-level institute will decide on your application.

The college may also ask you to complete an exemption application form and to submit supporting documentation. You should check with the individual college for details on how to apply for an exemption.

Who can apply for an exemption from studying Irish?

A parent or guardian can apply for their child to be exempt from the study of Irish, if they think their child meets the criteria. The child must be enrolled in an English-medium mainstream school.

Your child will only be considered for exemption from studying Irish in exceptional circumstances.

The decision to exempt a student is made by the principal of the school following discussion with a student’s parents or guardians, the class teacher, special education teachers and the student themselves.

If an exemption is granted, parents and students have the option not to use the exemption, but do not lose the right to use it in the future.

Students who can get an exemption from the study of Irish include:

• Students who are enrolling after completing a full course of primary education outside the State, and who did not have the opportunity to study Irish
• Students aged 12 or over whose education was received outside the State for at least 3 consecutive years, and they did not have the opportunity to study Irish
• Children of foreign diplomatic or consular representatives in Ireland (primary schools only)

Students with literacy difficulties

Students who have at least reached second class and meet all of the following conditions can also get an exemption:

• Students who have significant literacy difficulty that persists after having access to a differentiated approach to language and literacy over time. This should be documented in a Student Support Plan.
• Students with a standardised score at or below the 10th percentile in word reading, reading comprehension or spelling.

Students with multiple and persistent needs

Students who have at least reached second class and meet all of the following conditions can get an exemption:

• Have a high level of significant, multiple and persistent needs that affect their learning and participation in school life
• Whose school has substantial written evidence that the needs persist despite a Student Support Plan which has been implemented for at least 2 years
• Students must have been given every reasonable opportunity to learn Irish in mainstream classes
• The principal is satisfied that giving an exemption is in the best interests of the student

What are multiple and persistent needs?

Multiple and persistent needs are enduring and severe in nature and significantly impact the student's daily functioning at school.

Exemption for special schools and special classes in mainstream schools

The following students may be considered exempt and do not need to apply for a certificate of exemption:

• Students in special schools and in special classes in mainstream schools
• Students who have previously enrolled in a special school or class
• Students who are eligible and have been recommended to enrol in a special school or class.

School authorities can make decisions about the Irish language learning needs of students who are in special classes. However, schools are expected to give students opportunities to take part in Irish language and cultural activities as much as possible.

You can read more about the exemption from Irish in the Department of Education’s FAQ for parents.