The Department of Education has announced new criteria for schools to grant students an exemption from studying Irish.
The new criteria will only apply in English-speaking schools and are applicable from the start of the school year in September.
Students in special schools will no longer have to apply for an exemption.
Psychological assessment will no longer be necessary to process an application, although the school principal will continue to make the final decision.
It follows a consultation period on the current exemption rules, some of which date back to the 1990s.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh said he believed the new system would be fair and balanced.
Mr McHugh said: "An overhaul of the system for granting exemptions from the study of Irish is long overdue.
"By making key changes the system will be fairer and more supportive of students while at the same time ensuring that all children have equal access to study the Irish language.
"The decision to grant an exemption from the study of Irish should not be taken lightly. It is an important decision that will have implications for the student's future learning.
"The benefits of bilingualism and studying a language from a young age are becoming better understood with studies showing it helps mental agility, makes it easier to learn a third or more languages and that it can help support a child's academic achievement in other subjects like Mathematics."
Key changes:
- The new criteria will only apply in English-medium schools
- Students in special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools will not be required to apply for an exemption
- Psychological assessments will no longer be necessary to process an application for an exemption
- Students will be granted an exemption from the study of Irish only in rare and exceptional circumstances
- Age-related criteria for decisions on exemptions are being changed from 11 years of age to 12, which brings the circular into line with the final year of primary education
- The decision to grant an exemption will continue to be made by the school principal
- The decision should only be taken following detailed discussion with the student's parent or guardian, teacher, special education teachers and the student.
Conradh na Gaeilge has criticised the changes as mere patchwork on a method of teaching it believes needs a completely fresh approach.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, General Secretary Julian de Spáinn said he agreed with the minister in the context that bilingualism was an advantage.
However, he said he was disappointed that the consultation process, specifically the survey used, seemed predetermined.
Mr de Spáinn said there needed to be more "joined up thinking" in the approach to facilitating students, which he believed could be achieved if there was more flexibility in the overall educational and Leaving Cert system.
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