Vol. 496 No. 3
447 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the examination fees charged to mature students undertaking second level certificate examinations with a view to reducing them, particularly for students sitting only one subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22859/98]
In using the term mature students I presume the Deputy is concerned with the position of students entered for the examination as external candidates as distinct from those entered by the authorities of second level schools.
The fee structure already provides for reduced fees in the case of external candidates who wish to take only one subject. A fee of £23 for one subject rather than the standard fee of £50 applies where the student did not previously sit the examination and a fee of £50 for one subject applies rather than £147 where the student is repeating the examination.
Regardless of the number of subjects involved, applicants who hold a current medical card or are dependent on a parent or guardian who is the holder of a current medical card are no longer liable for examination fees.
