Alison Gussago

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A record number of 60,946 students have been given exemptions from studying Irish in secondary school as of September 2025, . according to TG4’s current affairs programme ‘As Láthair’, 

There is speculation that the main reason for this unprecedently high figure comes as a result of an influx of young people immigrating into Ireland in recent years. 

Leaving cert student Anna Caldwell tells The City, “I personally didn’t have the option to get an exemption since I’m born and raised in Ireland with no learning disabilities, but I would if I could. The language is taught terribly.” Caldwell says the way in which the language is taught is difficult and uninteresting for students. 

Exemptions are typically granted to individuals who have special education needs or have come from abroad. 

The Department of Education and Youth has said that the current number of exemptions equates to 1 in 7 children having permission to be excused from studying Irish. The current figure of 60,946 is up by more than 5,000 in comparison to the previous 2023/2024 school term. 

The Department of Education and Youth has expressed concerns for the pressure that is put on schools, especially principals, when an exemption is not granted.  

Conradh na Gaeilge, an online forum for the Irish speaking community, says the exemptions are “being granted too easily.” According to the forum, the current system is failing due to the overuse of exemptions and the disadvantages for those with learning disabilities.  

Conradh na Gaeilge are advocating for a reformed curriculum which would allow for tailored learning in an effort to include late arrivals to the Irish education system, and to help students with literacy and comprehensive challenges. 

“The system is definitely outdated, and I can see students’ lack of interest in it. It’s very grammar based. It could be more enticing if it involved more visual learning such as Irish films or even some more story books involved,” said Sinéad Byrne, and Irish and P.E. secondary school teacher. 

The rate of exemptions has increased yearly and has almost doubled in the past 6 years, with 33,476 students recorded to have been exempt in 2019.