Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Nov 1994

Vol. 446 No. 7

Written Answers. - Examination Fees.

Paul McGrath

Question:

192 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education the current fees payable by students to sit the Junior Certificate and the Leaving Certificate; if there is an additional charge for students who are repeating the Leaving Certificate; if so, if he will give details of the charge; and the reason an additional charge should be levied on these repeat students. [2940/94]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

1. A fee of £41 is payable in respect of the entry of a candidate to the Junior Certificate Examination 1995.

2. With regard to the Leaving Certificate Examination, there are a number of categories of fees depending on whether the student is an ordinary school candidate, a school candidate who is repeating the Leaving, or an external candidate (i.e. a candidate who is not attending a recognised school).

2.1. The entry fee payable in respect of an ordinary school candidate in 1995 is £44. This entry fee may be reduced, in whole or in part, in the case of a candidate who is in particular hardship.

2.2. The entry fee payable in respect of a candidate who remains at school to repeat the Leaving Certificate Examination in 1995 is £120. A course fee of £100 is also payable in respect of such students. However, where the parent or guardian of a repeat student is the holder of a current medical card, the course fee is waived and the entry fee payable is reduced to £44.

2.3. A range of fees is applicable in the case of external candidates. Following are the 1995 rates:—

one subject	£44
two subjects	£88
three or more subjects	£132

The above fees are reduced, as follows, where an external candidate—

—has not sat the examination previously, or

—has taken only one or two subjects previously, or

—is the holder of a current medical card or

—is dependent on a parent or guardian who is the holder of a current medical card:—

one subject	£18
two subjects	£33
three or more subjects	£44

3. Candidates who remain at school with a view to repeating the Leaving Certificate are charged higher fees, unless they are dependent on a medical card, because they have already benefited from the normal course of post-primary schooling and it is considered reasonable that those who wish to take an extra year should be asked to make a contribution towards the cost of providing the necessary resources.