State Examination Fees.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2004

Wednesday, 11 February 2004

Ceisteanna (170)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

232 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a decision was taken by the State Examinations Commission to increase the junior certificate examination fee from €75 to €82, nearly four months after schools had informed parents that the €75 fee was the correct fee for the year; his views on the inconvenience to parents who had already paid the original fee for the junior certificate examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4231/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

Last November I announced an increase of €10 in the standard leaving certificate fee and increased it from €76 to €86, an increase of 13%. Similar increases were applied to other examination fees. Last December schools were formally notified of the new amounts by the State Examinations Commission.

Any information given by schools to parents prior to this was not based on a formal notification from the commission. It is regrettable that this may cause parents some inconvenience. Examination entry fees are in existence in order to defray in part the costs of running the certificate examinations. Examination entry fees cover only part of the costs involved.

Candidates who hold a current medical card or are dependent on a parent or guardian who is the holder of a current medical card are not liable for examination fees. Medical cards will be accepted only if valid on 1 February, the due date for payment.