Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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64. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a medical card will cover the cost of pre-junior or leaving certificate examinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6008/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Mock examinations are not part of the State examinations system. The decision to organise and/or charge for mock examinations is made at school level. Mock examinations are not a requirement of my Department. Schools are provided with capitation and school services grants to meet their running costs. DEIS schools receive additional funds for targeted interventions to improve educational outcomes for students at risk. Schools are free to prioritise their use of these resources in accordance with the overall needs of the school. The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility only for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.