Secondary schools are being reminded not to accept psychologists’ reports for Irish exemptions

”We need to look at what’s driving the increase in exemptions and not place the blame on schools or parents”

So says Moira Leydon of the ASTI.

It comes as secondary schools are being reminded not to accept psychologists’ reports for Irish exemptions.

Previously, a psychologist’s report would be enough to allow a student not study Irish, however the Department of Education says this alone no longer meets the criteria of an exemption.

There were over 20 thousand students exempt from studying the language last year.

Moira Leydon is assistant general secretary with ASTI and told KCLR news this needs to be looked at from many angles. ”It’s important we look at what’s driving the exemptions and how can that be supported.”