Irish language exemptions in Leitrim near 600 amid calls for reform
Leitrim records 563 Irish-language exemptions as numbers rise nationally across post-primary schools.
A total of 563 pupils and students in Leitrim are currently exempt from studying Irish, according to figures obtained by the Leitrim Observer from the Department of Education and Youth.
The latest data for the 2024/25 school year shows 90 exemptions at primary level in Leitrim schools and 473 at post-primary level.
The figures come amid ongoing debate about Irish-language exemptions following the publication of Exemption to Inclusion, a report commissioned by Conradh na Gaeilge and written by Pádraig Ó Duibhir.
The report found that exemption rates at primary level have remained relatively stable in recent years, while the proportion of post-primary students exempt from Irish increased from 9.4 per cent in 2017 to 14.3 per cent in 2024.
Irish language teacher and Leitrim native Órla Nic Con na Búille said the trend highlights the need for greater inclusion and support in Irish-language education.
“Inclusion is definitely needed,” she said. “I really think oral language would be the way to go,” she added, highlighting that rote learning does not suit all students and pointing to wider issues around inclusivity in the classroom.
Under current regulations, exemptions from Irish may be granted in certain circumstances, including for students with specific educational needs or those who have received a substantial portion of their education outside Ireland.
The report found that learning difficulties account for many exemptions nationally, with dyslexia among the most commonly cited reasons.
Ms Nic Con na Búille said schools should continue to explore teaching approaches, pointing to dual coding theory, which combines verbal instruction with visual supports such as diagrams and images.
“That has proven wonders to teaching language to students with diagnosed learning needs,” she said.
“That is a massive approach that could be taken regarding keeping Irish inclusive in the classroom.”
The report also notes that 51 per cent of the 37,974 post-primary students exempted from Irish in 2024 on the grounds of a learning disability were studying a foreign language.
Ms Nic Con na Búille said this raises questions about language teaching and supports in schools.
“It’s really, really concerning,” she said. “The issue isn’t the ability to learn another language, and it just proves that. It raises important questions as to how Irish is being taught.”
The report also cites Malta, where both Maltese and English are compulsory school subjects and additional supports are provided for students with learning difficulties.
“The emphasis is put on support and accommodations, even temporary arrangements if students have learning needs rather than permanent exclusion,” she said. “I think that’s the way we should be trying to model.”
The report warns that if current trends continue, up to 22.5 per cent of post-primary pupils could be exempt from Irish by 2030.
Ms Nic Con na Búille also highlighted the opportunities associated with studying Irish, including careers in teaching, public service and translation.
“If a parent agrees to an exemption and there isn’t a total need for it, the student misses out on a lot of opportunities,” explained Órla, citing careers such as An Garda Síochána, primary school teaching and interpreting at the European Union.
“People don’t realise the opportunities and it adds to the problem.”
She added that access to Irish outside the classroom remains a barrier, particularly the cost of Gaeltacht courses, which can exceed €1,000.
“I really think every single child should be given the opportunity to go to the Gaeltacht at least once,” she said. “There should be some sort of scheme or funding initiative to get students going.”
Ms Nic Con na Búille also called for expansion of Irish-medium education, noting that while every county has at least one Gaelscoil, several, including Leitrim, do not have a Gaelcholáiste.
“The attitude around Irish is changing, which is a great thing to see, but it’s not enough,” she said. “The policy needs to change and that’s what needs to happen.”
In response to queries from the Leitrim Observer, the Department of Education and Youth highlighted its Action Plan for Irish in English-Medium Schools 2025–2027, which aims to support schools and teachers in improving the teaching, learning and use of Irish.
The Department said the plan focuses on improving oral language skills and enhancing pupils’ learning experience, and includes continued implementation of the Policy for Irish-Medium Education outside the Gaeltacht, supports for Gaeltacht schools, expansion of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), and development of physical education resources through Irish.
It also pointed to funding through Foras na Gaeilge for programmes including Gaelbhratach and Séideán Sí, increased resourcing for An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, and the establishment of a dedicated Irish-language unit within Oide.
The Department attributed the increase in exemptions to rising numbers of non-nationals and children with more complex special educational needs.
In 2024/25, 56,555 non-Irish nationals were enrolled in post-primary schools. More than 17,000 students from Ukraine are currently enrolled across the school system, including 10,000 at primary level and over 7,000 at post-primary.
Over the past five years, almost 1,700 new special classes have been introduced in mainstream schools, while enrolments in special schools continue to rise annually. In the 2024/25 school year, almost 28,000 students with special educational needs were enrolled in special classes and special schools, representing almost three per cent of the total primary and post-primary student population.