An exemption from the study of Irish means that a student attending a primary or post-primary school is not required to study Irish. There are certain limited circumstances whereby an exemption may be granted. The authority to grant an exemption has been delegated to school management.
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 where his/her educational circumstances come within the provisions of the primary circular in the case of a primary school going child or the post-primary circular in the case of a post-primary school going child.
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/guardian can appeal the school’s decision to the Irish Exemptions Appeal Committee (IEAC). 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 the circulars and the accompanying guidelines for 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).
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
DownloadEnquiries on the Irish Exemption Circulars
Address:
Department of Education, Curriculum and Assessment Policy Unit
, Dublin 1
, Marlborough Street
, D01 RC96
Phone number:
Enquiries on the Irish Exemption Appeals Process
Address:
Schools Financial and Database Section, Department of Education and Skills, Cornamaddy
, Co. Westmeath, Athlone
, N37 X659
Phone number:
- 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)
- Exemption from the Study of Irish - Guidance on Test Selection
- Irish Exemption FAQ's
- Minister McHugh announces new criteria for granting exemptions from the study of Irish
