Gaeloideachas recently had a very worthwhile meeting with the Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee. The issue of exemptions was discussed extensively during the meeting and the damage being caused by the current system. The culture that the exemption system fosters was discussed, indicating that Irish is difficult and that children with dyslexia or special needs are unable to learn it. Professor Pádraig Ó Duibhir shared many statistics during the meeting, particularly regarding the increase in the number of exemptions being granted. He also emphasised that a similar system doesn’t exist in other countries. The concerns that the various organisations have regarding the exemption system and the need to review it were emphasised.

Of course, dyslexia is the biggest learning difference that students in Irish-medium schools have as they demonstrate every day that they can acquire and speak Irish, and that bilingualism has advantages for them. Rather than denying children and young people this opportunity, we need to think about ways to support them in acquiring the language at an appropriate level and how to adapt the learning environment for them to flourish.

We are very grateful to the Minister for the discussion and we look forward to working with her for the benefit of the language, the children, and Irish-medium education.