Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2007
474 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is a system of waiver available to a student (details supplied) in County Kildare in relation to their repeat arts exam; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8471/07]
View answerSpecial fees for repeat Leaving Certificate candidates were introduced in 1987 on the basis that it is not unreasonable to expect those who have already benefited from the normal course of second level education, and who wish to take an extra year, to make a contribution towards the cost of providing the necessary resources. A course fee is also payable in respect of such candidates.
Generally, examination fees cover only a fraction of the cost of running the examinations, and these costs have been spiralling in recent years as new methods of assessment are introduced in various subjects.
There is an alleviation scheme in place whereby current medical card holders and their dependents are exempt from the payment of fees. This exemption applies to approximately 30% of all examination candidates each year.
This alleviation scheme also applies in the case of repeat candidates in respect of both the course fee and the repeat examination fee. The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including the charging and collection of fees for examinations. In view of this, I have forwarded your query to the Commission for direct reply to you in relation to the person concerned.
475 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used to determine exam fees; the reason repeat examinations are 150% higher than original examinations; the percentage of students that are repeating their exams; if the percentage is on the increase or decrease; her views in relation to such trends; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8472/07]
View answer476 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the State Examinations Commission increases the fee for a student repeating a subject or the leaving certificate in total; her plans to change this position; the research her Department has undertaken to determine the effect that this increase in fees has on the number repeating the exams; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8473/07]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 475 and 476 together.
Examination fees generally cover only a fraction of the cost of running the examinations. The costs associated with the certificate examinations have been spiralling in recent years due to the introduction of new methods of assessment in various subjects and to continuing increases in special arrangements for students with special needs.
Special fees for repeat candidates were introduced in 1987 on the basis that it is not unreasonable to expect those who have already benefited from the normal course of second level education, and who wish to take an extra year, to make a contribution towards the cost of providing the necessary resources. A course fee is also payable in respect of such candidates. There are no plans at present to change this position.
There is an alleviation scheme in place whereby current medical card holders and their dependents are exempt from the payment of fees. This exemption applies to approximately 30% of all examination candidates each year. This alleviation scheme also applies in the case of repeat candidates in respect of both the course fee and the repeat examination fee.
The percentage of students repeating their Leaving Certificate examination in the past six years is as follows:
2006: 3.6%
2005: 4.4%
2004: 4.8%
2003: 5.2%
2002: 5.5%
2001: 4.3%
My Department has not carried out any research in relation to repeat Leaving Certificate candidates.
