Application for exemption from the study of Irish (primary schools)

A parent or guardian fills in this form for a pupil in an English-medium primary school. The circular says an exemption does not apply in schools where Irish is the medium of instruction.

The form lists the only grounds the school can consider: education outside the State for at least three consecutive years with no chance to study Irish, where the pupil is at least 12 on enrolment or re-enrolment (2.2.1(a)) or has completed a full primary course recognised by another state (2.2.1(b)); significant and persistent literacy difficulties from second class on (2.2.2); a high level of multiple and persistent needs from second class on (2.2.3); a recommendation and eligibility for a place in a special school or special class (2.2.4(ii)); or a parent or guardian who is a diplomatic or consular representative of another country (2.2.5).

A pupil who is, or was, enrolled in a recognised special school or special class is automatically entitled to an exemption without an application (2.2.4(i)). Exemptions granted under earlier circulars still apply until the end of post-primary education.

Give the completed form to the principal of your child's current school. It does not go to the Department. The school marks the date it was received and sends you an acknowledgement.

A member of school staff should then contact you to discuss the application and confirm the ground it is based on. If you do not confirm a ground, the circular says the application is void. List any supporting documents you are handing in, then tick the box to proceed and sign.

The Department advises talking to the school first about whether it holds enough evidence. For the learning-needs grounds, the evidence is the school's own Student Support Plans and testing over time.

The circular, the forms and the Department's guidance list no fee for applying to the school or for appealing a refusal. The application is made to your child's school, not to the Department.

There is no deadline for applying. The circular says the school should process the application and confirm the outcome in writing within 21 school days of receiving it.

If the exemption is granted, the principal issues a signed and dated Certificate of Exemption. If it is refused, the principal must give the reasons in writing. You can appeal to the Irish Exemptions Appeal Committee within 30 calendar days of the date of that written decision.

• Ticking more than one ground. The Department's parents' FAQ says an application is considered on one ground only, and ticking more than one makes it invalid.
• Relying on a single test score. A score at or below the 10th percentile is not enough on its own under 2.2.2; the pupil must also be in second class or above with persistent difficulties despite support over time.
• Assuming a psychologist's or specialist's report is required, or is enough. The FAQ says neither is the case, though sharing such a report helps the school understand your child's needs.
• Applying because a child does not yet understand English or Irish. That alone is not a ground; the school should support the child to learn both languages.
• Sending the appeal with extra reports. The appeal form asks for the form only; the committee requests documents from the school.

• Exemption from the study of Irish (Department of Education and Youth)
• Circular 0054/2022: Exemptions from the study of Irish (primary)
• Exemption from the Study of Irish: forms
• Questions and answers for parents (PDF)