Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 12 Oct 1995

Vol. 456 No. 8

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

68 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make the necessary resources available in the 1996 budget for the provision of an allowance to all social welfare recipients towards the cost of second-level examination fees, including fees for repeat examinations. [14796/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

Assistance towards the cost of second level examination fees is primarily a matter for the Department of Education. It is understood that provision of £400,000 has been made available by that Department to schools this year for the purpose of waiving or reducing examination fees in the case of those experiencing financial hardship, such as social welfare recipients. In addition, £600,000 has been provided for reduced fees in the case of candidates who are repeating the leaving certificate.

Social Welfare recipients who are themselves pursuing second level education normally do so under the vocational training opportunities scheme, which is administered and funded by the Department of Education, or through my Department's second level scheme. In the case of the vocational training opportunities scheme, both the courses and examination fees are provided free of charge to participants. I have no proposals at present to alter the existing arrangements.