Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the cost of repeating the leaving certificate has increased to €301 from €126; if he will outline the supports available to any families struggling to meet this increased cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9003/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The examination fee for repeat candidates has increased from €284 in 2011 to €301 in 2012, an increase of 6%. This is the same level of examination fee increase which has applied to the fees generally for Leaving Certificate candidates, where the fee has increased from €109 to €116.

Special examination fees for repeat candidates were introduced in 1987 on the basis that it is not unreasonable to expect those who have already benefited 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. The course fee is €126.

Examination fees generally cover only a fraction of the cost of running the examinations. Additional demands on the system have been arising 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 34% 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.