Hundreds of pupils granted exemptions from studying Irish on the grounds of disability in the months leading up to the Leaving Cert had no difficulty studying other languages, figures show.

The Department of Education allows students to be excused from studying Irish on the basis of learning disabilities, which include dyslexia.

Figures released to The Irish Times show that during the 2014/2015 academic year, a total of 570 Leaving Cert students obtained an exemption on the basis of a learning disability. Of these, 270 went on to study a European language for the Leaving Cert.

The figures are significantly higher when the number who secured exemptions prior to the Leaving Cert are included.

Separate Department of Education figures previously compiled show 4,909 students out of almost 53,000 held exemptions from Irish on the basis of disability during the 2013/2014 school year. Of these, about 2,000 continued to study a foreign language.

The high numbers have prompted questions by some teachers who claim students may be securing exemptions on the basis that Irish is regarded as one of the most difficult subjects. The total number of exemptions for Irish across the entire second-level system has jumped from about 20,000 in 2004 to 32,000 in 2014.

While about 7,000 students had an exemption based on disability in 2004, this grew to about 19,000 a decade later.

Assessment

An ESRI working paper, however, says the numbers may be linked to increased identification and assessment of students with disabilities, as well as policies which encourage more inclusive education.

The study acknowledged evidence showed some of those exempt were studying other languages, but said the numbers were relatively small. Irish is compulsory at primary and secondary level, though the department allows students to be excused on the grounds of disability or having lived outside the State for a period of time.

Official guidelines state that evidence of such a disability should be furnished by a qualified psychologist. In addition, a full report on the pupil should be furnished by the school.

An exemption for Irish may also extend to National University of Ireland colleges – which include UCD, UCC, NUI Galway and NUI Maynooth – where students are typically required to have a pass grade.

Senior NUI figures have previously expressed concern that advantage could be given to a student who has a learning disability exemption but who is capable of learning a foreign language.