asked the Minister for Education whether she will ensure that four repeat students at a secondary school (details supplied) in County Cork are recognised for capitation and quota purposes.
Written Answers. - Leaving Certificate Examination Reports.
89.
Circular Letter M57/87 which issued to post-primary schools in August 1987 stated that pupils who have sat the leaving certificate examination may be enrolled as recognised pupils to repeat the final year of the leaving certificate course in 1987-88 subject to the payment of a repeat course fee of £100. In addition an examination entry fee of £100 will apply, in those cases, instead of the ordinary entry fee. Pupils whose parents or guardians are the holders of a current medical card will be exempted from these fees.
Except as provided for in paragraph 1 above, a pupil may not repeat any year of the second level course, save in exceptional cases of prolonged absence due to ill health etc. Alleged immaturity is not accepted as sufficient grounds for repeating.
Five pupils in the secondary school referred to, made application to repeat a year of their second level programme exceptionally. All five cases were carefully considered in my Department and as it was found that exceptional circumstances applied in one case only, the permission to repeat was refused in the remaining four cases.