Written answers

Wednesday, 29 April 2015

Department of Education and Skills

State Examinations Fees

Photo of Willie PenroseWillie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

121. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to reduce the unjustified fee being charged to students who repeat the leaving certificate at the rate of €301 for the re-sit, as opposed to €115 for the first sit, and whereby this exorbitant charge is serving as a barrier or obstacle to young persons who do not have the financial means to pay same; her plans to have this fee waived or reduced to €115; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16919/15]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The examination entry 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.

Special examination entry 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 free second level education to make a contribution towards the cost of providing the necessary resources.

Examination entry 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 candidates or their parent/guardian who have been awarded a full medical card are exempt from the payment of examination entry fees. This exemption applied to approximately 39% of all examination candidates in 2014.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.