asked the Minister for Education the charge for repeating the leaving certificate examination; the basis on which that sum is arrived at; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Leaving Certificate.
91.
The charge for repeating the leaving certificate examination as a school candidate is £200 — £100 course fee and £100 examination fee. The decision to charge this fee was taken in the context of the very difficult financial circumstances facing the country at present. In view of the financial pressures at various levels of the educational system, it was considered not unreasonable that those who had already benefited by the normal course of post-primary schooling, and who wished to take an extra year, should be asked to make a contribution towards the cost of providing the necessary resources. Pupils whose parents or guardians are medical card holders are exempted from payment of the £100 course fee and are required to pay only the standard examination fee of £35.