Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
528. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of sixth-year students exempt from Leaving Certificate examination fees in the 2025-26 academic year on the basis of holding a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29724/26]
View answer529. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of third-year students exempt from Junior Cycle examination fees in the 2025-26 academic year on the basis of holding a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29725/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 528 and 529 together.
As part of Budget 2026, the Government confirmed that examination entry fees will be reintroduced for the 2026 State exams. These fees are being restored at their previous levels, unchanged since 2012.
€116 for Leaving Certificate candidates
• €109 for Junior Cycle candidates
Not all families are liable to pay examination fees. Any student with a full medical card, or covered under a parent or guardian’s card, will continue to be fully exempt. This approach strikes a fair balance, maintaining support for those who need it most while restoring a long-standing contribution towards the cost of running the examinations system. The process is straightforward, transparent, and well signposted, with full details available at [Examination Fees - State Examinations Commission]. Phone and email help desk services are available to school authorities and families who need assistance.
As you may be aware, the fees portal opened on 19 March and the closing date for the payment of examination fees or making an application for a medical card exemption is 30 April 2026, a period of six weeks. I am advised that approximately one third of candidates who have engaged with the process to date have been exempt from fees. However, until after the closing date has passed it will not be possible to indicate the total number of Leaving Certificate or Junior Cycle candidates that were granted a fee exemption on the basis of a medical card.
