Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason students who have to repeat the leaving certificate, are being charged €251 which is approximately 2.6 times the amount which is charged to a student who is sitting the exam for the first time; the reason there is any charge levied upon students, at this critical time for them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9273/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Special fees for repeat candidates were introduced in 1987 on the basis that it is not unreasonable to expect those who have already benefitted from the normal course of second level education, and who wish to take an extra year, to make a contribution towards the cost of providing the necessary resources. A course fee is also payable in respect of such candidates. Examination fees generally cover only a fraction of the cost of running the examinations. The costs associated with the certificate examinations have been spiralling in recent years due to the introduction of new methods of assessment in various subjects and to continuing increases in special arrangements for students with special needs. There is an alleviation scheme in place whereby current medical card holders and their dependents are exempt from the payment of fees. This exemption applies to approximately 30% of all examination candidates each year. This alleviation scheme also applies in the case of repeat candidates in respect of both the course fee and the repeat examination fee.