Vol. 455 No. 8
209 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Education if she will give an estimate of the cost of the abolition of examination fees for junior and leaving certificate students whose parents are in receipt of social welfare benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13001/95]
It is estimated that the abolition of examination fees for all candidates whose parents are in receipt of social welfare benefit would cost an extra £1.8 million.
A provision of £400,000 was made available to schools in order that entry fees for all the 1995 exams might be waived or reduced in the case of those experiencing financial hardship.
There is an additional provision for reduced fees in the case of candidates who are repeating the leaving certificate. These candidates would normally be required to pay a higher fee than first-time candidates but where the candidate, parent or guardian holds a medical card, the maximum fee payable is the fee payable by first-time candidates. This provision costs a further £600,000.
