Michael Finucane
Question:162 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will introduce a relief scheme for families whose income exceeds the medical card guidelines by a modest amount. [3164/00]
Written Answers. - Examination Fees.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the exemption scheme in relation to examination fees. This Government revised the scheme of exemption from the payment of examination fees and based it on the general medical services card scheme. Through quadrupling the funding available for fee alleviation we have ensured that 30% of the entire student body does not have to pay any examination fees.
By relating the exemption to an existing means tested scheme my Department has ensured that those on lowest incomes benefit. I believe this is the most reasonable approach to adopt to ensure the maximum coverage and I do not favour having separate means assessment criteria for this scheme.