asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the hardship which is being caused to some families by the high cost of examination fees; and the measures she proposes to take to alleviate the problem.
Written Answers. - Examination Fees.
445.
I trust that the statements I have made on the question of examination fees, including my answers to previous questions in Dáil Éireann, as well as the actions I have taken, will have made it clear that I am aware that the cost of examination fees is a source of hardship to some families.
I introduced a scheme last year, for the first time, to allow a reduction in fees in the case of the most necessitous families. This year I have seen to it, in spite of the financial pressures, that for the first time in years there will be no increase in the level of those fees. I have also decided in response to representations from school and parents' organisations that the fees for the 1985 certificate examinations may be paid in two instalments.