In certain exceptional circumstances, a primary or post-primary student may be granted an exemption from studying Irish. School management hold the authority to grant an exemption.
A written application for an exemption is made by the parent or guardian to the school principal on behalf of their child. The application should state the reasons why the exemption is being sought.
A child will only be considered for an exemption if their educational circumstances are included in the details listed in the primary circular in the case of a primary school pupil or the post-primary circular in the case of a post-primary school pupil.
Primary Application Form for Exemption from the Study of Irish
Application for Exemption from the Study of Irish (Primary Schools)
Download
Post Primary Application Form for Exemption from the Study of Irish
Application for Exemption From the Study of Irish (Post-Primary Schools)
DownloadIf the application for exemption from the study of Irish is refused, a parent or guardian can appeal the school’s decision to the Irish Exemptions Appeal Committee (IEAC).
The IEAC will consider how the school followed the process as described in the circulars and the accompanying guidelines for schools.
Appeals must be lodged within 30 calendar days from the date of the schools decision to refuse an exemption. The parent or guardian will receive notice of this decision in writing.
Primary Appeal Form for Exemption from the Study of Irish
Form for appealing a primary school’s decision not to grant an exemption from the study of Irish to the Irish exemptions Appeal Committee
Download
Post-primary Appeal Form for Exemption from the Study of Irish
Form for appealing a post-primary school’s decision not to grant an exemption from the study of Irish to the Irish exemptions Appeal Committee
Download- Frequently asked Questions on Exemptions from the Study of Irish
- Irish Exemption Circulars Primary and Post Primary
- Exemptions from the Study of Irish: Guidelines for Primary Schools (English-Medium)
- Exemptions from the Study of Irish: Guidelines for Post-Primary Schools (English-Medium)
- Notice re applications under subsection 2.2a – students who moved from abroad 2019 to 2021
- Exemption from the Study of Irish - Guidance on Test Selection
- Research Report: Review of Policy and Practice in Relation to Exemptions from the Study of Irish
- Report of Public Consultation on exemptions from the study of Irish
- Minister McHugh announces new criteria for granting exemptions from the study of Irish
Enquiries on the Irish exemption circulars
Address:
Curriculum and assessment policy unit, Department of Education
, Dublin 1
, Marlborough Street
, D01 RC96
Phone number:
Enquiries on the Irish exemption appeals process
Address:
Schools financial and database section, Department of Education, Cornamaddy
, Co. Westmeath, Athlone
, N37 X659
Phone number:
