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Dyslexia and Language Learning

Overview
Dyslexia affects reading and writing at the individual word level, making the development of accuracy and fluency in both reading and written expression more challenging. It exists along a continuum, from mild to severe. Students at the milder end of this spectrum may be able to learn additional languages successfully. However, students with more severe dyslexia often find this much more difficult and may require an exemption. The Department of Education has set out strict criteria that must be met before an exemption from Irish will be granted. (See the below under Irish Exemption and Dyslexia: Key Information for Parents and Students .)

Language Learning Challenges
Children with dyslexia typically experience difficulties in areas such as:

Phonological processing
Working memory
Auditory discrimination
Syntax
Sequencing

These skills are all vital for mastering language. To succeed in learning a second language, students generally need to achieve a reasonable level of competence in their first language. This does not mean that second-language learning is impossible at a later stage. In fact, some students who are exempt from Irish at primary school, with the help of extra support in school and at home, may later develop sufficient competence in their first language to take on another language at second or third level.

Balancing Opportunity and Difficulty

Language learning is often complex for students with dyslexia. The advantages of knowing a second or third language are clear, and many students with dyslexia do achieve competence in another language. Ideally, students should have the opportunity to try languages at second level. At the same time, it is important to balance this with the challenges some students face in developing literacy in their first language.

As a general guideline, students who meet the criteria for exemption from Irish will likely face similar challenges with the written form of other languages. Nonetheless, every case must be considered individually, and decisions should not be made hastily, as this may restrict future opportunities.

Third-Level and Career Considerations

The main reasons for pursuing language study include:

Meeting third-level entry requirements
Preparing for work or travel abroad, particularly within the European Union

For example, colleges of the National University of Ireland (NUI)—including NUIG, UCC, Maynooth, and UCD—normally require three languages for entry. However:

Students who have been granted an exemption from Irish on the basis of a specific learning difficulty will also qualify for an exemption from the NUI Irish language and third-language matriculation requirement.
Students who did not apply for, or were not granted, an exemption while in school may still apply to the NUI for an exemption from the third-language requirement on the grounds of significant dyslexia. Further details on this process can be found here: NUI Entry Requirements.

When planning for third-level education, students are advised to research which courses include compulsory language elements. While entry requirements may not demand a language, some courses in IT, Business, or Engineering may still include language modules.

Choosing Languages

If a student chooses to study a foreign language, it is often recommended that they select one that is:

Phonetically similar to English
More transparent in orthography

For example:

Spanish or Italian may be easier options than French.
Latin, although less commonly offered in schools today, is sometimes regarded by teachers as a “dyslexia-friendly” choice.

Importantly, life is about more than exams and entry requirements. Many people with dyslexia benefit from learning and speaking a foreign language later in life. Success is more likely if they have already addressed the literacy challenges in their first language.

Learning Irish when you have Dyslexia

While learning any language presents challenges for students with dyslexia, the level of impact varies. Research highlights that the best way to support learners is to draw on the science of reading—teaching them the skills needed to decode (read) and encode (spell). This involves:

Using a structured, phonics-based approach
Teaching spelling and language rules explicitly

English is one of the most complex and irregular languages, with numerous rules and exceptions (a complex orthography). By comparison:

Languages with a transparent orthography, such as Italian, follow more regular patterns and are easier to decode.
Irish is also considered a complex orthography, though it is more regular than English and contains fewer exceptions.

Irish Exemption and Dyslexia: Key Information for Parents and Students

Key Points to Note

Irish is a compulsory subject throughout both primary and secondary school. Some students with dyslexia can successfully study Irish and even other languages. However, for those with more severe dyslexia, learning more than one language at a time can cause major challenges and lead to stress and anxiety.

An exemption is considered a reasonable adjustment for students with significant literacy difficulties where other supports have not been enough.

For many dyslexic students, receiving an exemption can be transformational. It allows them to focus on reading and spelling in a single language code, achieve fluency, and access the wider curriculum to their full potential.

It is important to remember that:

Exemption cannot be granted simply because a student has dyslexia or finds Irish difficult.
There are strict criteria that must be met (explained below).
Once granted, the exemption follows the student through school and into third level, where applicable.

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Eligibility Criteria

Learning Difficulty Category

Most students with dyslexia apply under this category. To be eligible, the child must be in Second Class or higher and show evidence of:

Significant and persistent learning difficulties (formal diagnosis not required; school evidence is sufficient).
Extra teaching support already provided (a differentiated approach to language/literacy learning).
Low scores in core literacy skills despite support, shown by performance at or below the 10th percentile in Word Reading, Reading Comprehension, or Spelling (assessed by the school).

Relevant Department Circulars for primary and post-primary are available here:
🔗 gov.ie – Irish Exemption

Multiple and Persistent Needs Category

This newer category may apply where dyslexia occurs alongside other learning difficulties, particularly when mental health and anxiety are affected.

Criteria include:

Student is in at least Second Class.
Needs are multiple and persistent, despite two or more years of targeted, individualised support (documented in Student Support Plans).
These needs significantly affect participation and engagement in learning.
The pupil has been given every reasonable opportunity to learn Irish in mainstream classes.

If these conditions are met, and the Principal believes it is in the best interests of the child, an exemption may be granted.

Application Process

Parents/guardians must submit a written application to the school using the official form (different for primary and post-primary).
Supporting documents (e.g., letters, diagnostic reports) may be attached but are not essential.
The school must respond in writing within 21 school days.

If granted:

The decision is confirmed in writing.
A formal certificate of exemption is issued. This is essential for transferring to post-primary or third level.

If refused:

The school must explain why.
Parents can appeal within 30 days using the official appeal form (primary or post-primary). Forms are available on the Department’s website.

Next Steps After Exemption

In Primary School

Schools are familiar with pupils not studying Irish.
Ideally, extra teaching support should be timetabled during Irish lessons.
Otherwise, the pupil may complete other literacy tasks, computer work, or independent study.

In Post-Primary School

Arrangements will depend on the school. Options include:
- Attending the learning support base for extra help.
- Using the library or supervised classroom for independent work.

👉 Note: An Irish exemption does not automatically cover modern foreign languages. Only Irish and English are compulsory. Studying another language is a school decision, not a formal exemption process. Many schools allow students to trial a foreign language before deciding.

Implications for Third Level and Careers

University Entry

The National University of Ireland (NUI) requires Irish and a modern language for matriculation.
However, the NUI recognises the exemption certificate and extends it to modern language requirements (application required via NUI website).
Some courses (e.g., European Studies, Business with Languages) require a language and cannot be exempted, though alternatives often exist.

Careers

The impact of not studying Irish is limited.
The main restriction is primary teacher training, which requires a high-level pass in Irish. Alternatives include:
- Training in the UK, then completing a conversion course.
- Teaching in secondary schools or specialised settings.
Solicitors must pass a basic Irish exam to join the Bar.
A few Civil Service roles require Irish, but most do not.
Irish is no longer required for entry to An Garda Síochána (since 2022, proficiency in one language is enough).

Overall, while Department circulars warn of “very significant implications,” the real impact is limited for most careers. For many dyslexic students, the benefits of exemption far outweigh the drawbacks.

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