Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the post-leaving certificate registration fee will be fixed at its current level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27866/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Budget 2011 provided for the introduction of a €200 annual Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme participant contribution, with effect from this September (the 2011/2012 academic year). Decisions in relation to funding matters such as these are generally made as part of the annual Estimates process.

Full medical card holders (in their own right and their dependent children), those eligible under the student grant scheme and those in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) or Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) allowances are exempt from paying the contribution, which should ensure that those who are less well off will continue to access PLC courses.