Theresa Ahearn
Question:70 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to abolish examination fees in post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14530/95]
Written Answers. - Post-Primary Examination Fees.
At present my Department operates a number of measures aimed at alleviating hardship arising from the payment of examination fees. A provision of £400,000 was made available to schools in order that entry fees for the 1995 exams could be waived or reduced in the case of those experiencing financial hardship. An additional provision of £600,000 for reduced fees in the case of candidates who are repeating the Leaving Cert was also made available. 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. It is my intention to improve provision in this area on an ongoing well targeted basis and as resources become available to me.