Vol. 530 No. 6
416 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he does not offer convenient payment options to the parents of candidates doing State examinations, who, under present arrangements, have to attend a bank and obtain a bank stamp before payment; and if he will give an estimate of the cost to parents of the bank administration fee and the time spent in attending the bank. [4589/01]
As the Deputy is aware in 2000 my Department introduced the bank giro payment system as it was considered to be a modern, convenient and secure method of paying examination fees. This new bank giro system has received widespread support and has been welcomed by schools and parents as an efficient and effective method. My Department will of course continue to accept other payment methods if such are considered more convenient by parents and schools.
I will continue to seek options for payment which will utilise the most modern technology available for the convenience of parents and schools.
