Richard Bruton
Question:143 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of abolishing the examination fees for students in receipt of social welfare benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18408/97]
Written Answers - Examination Fees.
Figures to estimate the cost of abolishing examination fees for students who are themselves in receipt of social welfare benefits are not readily available within my Department.
My Department has estimated that it would cost in the region of £1.6 million to exempt from examinations fees students who are covered under the medical card scheme. This figure is considered to be similar to the cost of not charging fees to students who are dependents of social welfare recipients as distinct from those students who are themselves direct recipients.