Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
462. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will outline whether any fee exemption or partial relief is available for families with more than one student sitting the Leaving Certificate in the same year, and if she is considering introducing such a measure. [33363/26]
View answer463. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department is considering a review of the medical card only exemption for leaving certificate fees in light of concerns about its fairness, consistency; and the absence of any exemption or partial relief for families who do not qualify for a medical card. [33364/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 463 together.
As part of Budget 2026, the Government has reintroduced examination entry fees at the same rate as when they were last charged in 2019. Fee rates for the 2026 examinations, which have remained unchanged since 2012, are:
• €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.
Since the announcement, the State Examinations Commission (SEC) has communicated with candidates and school authorities about the reintroduction of examination fees. The SEC’s online fee collection facility went live on 19 March 2026, providing a user-friendly service for paying the fee or claiming an exemption. The process is straightforward, transparent, and well signposted, with full details available from the SEC at Examination Fees - State Examinations Commission. Phone and email help desk services are available to school authorities and families who need assistance. The final date for payment of fees has been extended to 22 May. The SEC continues to monitor the situation.
