Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 471: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money his Department estimates the €300 annual fee for post-primary school transport will raise per annum; the amount his Department will spend on school transport; the purpose for which the difference between the amount raised and the amount spent on school transport will be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36895/08]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that the 2009 Estimates recognise the importance of the school transport scheme in supporting school access and attendance, particularly in rural communities. The Estimates provide for an allocation of €196 million, which represents an increase of 12% over the initial allocation for 2008. The annual post primary charge will raise in the region of €13 million in respect of a school year, taking family charges into account. These revised post primary charges will meet approximately approx 20% of the cost of providing post primary school transport in 2009.

The 2007 Bus Éireann school transport scheme statement of account, the latest available, show that the gross cost of the post primary school transport service was €64.8 million. Charges are waived in the case of eligible post-primary children where the family is in possession of a valid medical card. I would also emphasise that school transport for all eligible primary pupils remains free of charge.

The overall allocation will enable the provision of school transport for over 134,000 children including about 9,000 children with special needs. The increase is necessary given the expansion of the number of children in schools, the establishment of new schools and the expanding number of children identified as having special educational needs. The increase also reflects some of the cost pressures which are relevant to school transport and, in particular, allows for a compensatory allowance to be paid to private contractors who can avail of a fuel rebate scheme until the end of this month.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 472: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the amount his Department estimates the 8% increase in the fees charged by the State Examinations Commission for State examinations will raise; the amount an individual sitting their junior certificate will have to pay in 2009; the amount an individual sitting their leaving certificate will have to pay in 2009; the reason the State Examinations Commission's budget did not receive a commensurate increase in its funding in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36896/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Income from examination entry fees is estimated at €8.7m in 2008. It is estimated that fee increases of 8% across all examination entry fees will generate an additional €0.70m in 2009. It should be noted that, as a proportion of the State Examinations Commission's overall funding, income from fees has reduced in the past four years from 15.6 % to 13.7%. A circular will be issued to schools shortly by the State Examinations Commission outlining the rates of fee for 2009.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 473: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the amount his Department envisages a rise in fees charged by FETAC and HETAC will raise; the amount these increases will cost individual students compared to previous years; the way these two separate organisations will charge fees if they are amalgamated in line with his Department's plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36897/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The target is that the fees charged by FETAC and HETAC will generate an additional €1.26 million in 2009. The Department is consulting the awards councils and relevant stakeholders with a view to agreeing their 2009 schedules of fees for awards and other services. The amalgamation of HETAC, FETAC and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland will not have major implications in the area of fees. It is envisaged that the new organisation will have similar powers to charge fees as its predecessors.