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Student resolves action over Irish language exemption

Summary

A High Court case brought by a student with ADHD, ASD and anxiety, represented by her mother, challenged a secondary school's refusal to grant her an exemption from studying Irish. The student had applied for an exemption under the Department of Education Circular 'Exemption from the Study of Irish', but the school's board of management denied it, citing that she did not meet the criteria in place when the case began in late 2021. The student's mother argued that the denial deprived her daughter of an appropriate education and infringed her constitutional rights, citing the psychological impact of learning Irish. The action sought declarations that the circular unlawfully interfered with the student's rights and that the school's policy was irrational, unreasonable and unconstitutional. On 22 March 2023, Mr Justice Charles Meenan was informed that the case had been resolved in favour of the student following out‑of‑court talks, and the proceedings could be struck out.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Student resolves action over Irish language exemption. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2023-03-22 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report