Exemptions for Irish not fit for purpose

THERE are, no doubt, legitimate reasons why certain children with special needs are exempted from learning Irish in school. Indeed, the exemption would not exist at all if that was not the case.

As always, though, there are parents who abuse the goodwill of the Department of Education and trick the system for what they perceive as an advantage. Inspectors from the department have found that just over 60% of third-year students whose ‘special needs’ preclude them from learning the national language nonetheless seem to have no problem studying French or German.

More worryingly, the parents are handpicking psychologists known to write favourable reports on why the children should be exempted.

Some of the parents involved have said that Irish is ‘a waste of time’ and while we do not subscribe to that viewpoint, that perhaps is another conversation that could be opened up.

What is doubly worrying about the existing situation, though, is that school principals who know they are being taken for a ride do not feel adequately equipped to challenge the views of the psychologists involved – which must be galling when they see a child unwilling to learn ‘go raibh maith agat’ while seemingly totally at ease with ‘merci beaucoup’ and ‘danke schön’.

It is not the fault of the Department of Education, but clearly the exemption system no longer is fit for purpose.

Despite the fact the blame lies elsewhere, it is right that the department and the minister are revisiting this system.

Compulsory Irish erroneously might seem a chore for some, and a waste of time for others, but our language deserves every support to ensure it remains vital and alive.