Michael Finucane
Question:50 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will introduce a relief scheme from examination fees for families whose income exceeds the medical card guidelines by a modest amount. [7244/00]
Written Answers. - Examination Fees.
The 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 those on lowest incomes benefit from the significant increase in resources made available for relief. This is an effective targeted approach to providing relief from fee payment. This is the most reasonable approach to adopt to ensure maximum coverage.