andMr. Brown asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that the transport charges and increased examination fees discriminate against many medical cardholders in Wexford who will be legally obliged to pay £150 per year to send their children to school and a further £30 for each examination candidate; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

In order to take into account any difficulty in the circumstances of large families, family contributions were limited to a maximum of £50 per term. In addition, it was decided to exempt from the charge certain senior cycle pupils whose parents or legal guardians hold medical cards.

I would also refer the Deputy to my statement of 22 February 1983 in relation to the exemption for certain junior cycle pupils whose parents would face particular hardship in meeting the change and or whom the use of school transport is essential to enable them to make satisfactory school attendance.

Examination fees are set by reference to the fees and allowances payable in connection with the supervision of the examinations and the marking of the condidates' answer books and having regard to other relevent expenses incurred in the administration of the examinations.

The amount collected in fees covers only part of the cost of running the certificate examinations.

Is the Minister satisfied that the increase in the examination fees fair and does she not think that such a large increase in examination fees will again be discriminatory against larger families and against disadvantaged families?

I consider that the increase in the examination fee is fair. Everybody deplores an increase in fees of any kind but I am sure the Deputy will agree that there are difficult times facing the country and that across the board people are going to have to be asked to contribute.

Across the board, yes, but not on children.