asked the Minister for Education the cash shortfall in the receipt of examination fees for 1984; if she is aware that the subsidy scheme was totally inadequate and that many pupils cannot now sit for these State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Examination Fees.
461.
I am not aware of what shortfall the Deputy has in mind in her question. The Rules for Secondary Schools specify a particular date for the receipt of entry forms in the Department on the basis of the ordinary examination fee payable. Provision also exists, however, for the acceptance of late entry forms subject to payment of a late entry fee. In some cases also the manager of the school may make arrangements to transmit the fee within a short period of forwarding the application forms.
I am satisfied that the concessions introduced by me this year for the first time have been proved to be a success in allowing school principals to take account of the circumstances of candidates in connection with payment of the fees.