Yesterday, I wrote to the Minister for Education about the leaving certificate, asking her to clarify two matters. The first was what would happen if a student contracted Covid-19 during exam time and what contingencies are in place for that. I also asked her to waive the exam fee, which is €116 for the leaving certificate and €109 for the junior certificate, and I understand there may be some good news in that regard for the thousands of families expected to pay it. Will the Tánaiste confirm it is the intention of the Government to waive the fee for junior and leaving certificate examination students this year?

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I spoke with the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, this morning, and she confirms that fees for both the leaving and junior certificate exams are being waived for this year. As the Deputy knows, some families are exempt from payment, but for those which are not exempt, this will be a saving of €116 in the case of the leaving certificate and €109 for the junior cycle exams. It is a small act but perhaps it will help some families with the high cost of living. It is some recognition of the fact that children and families are being put under so much pressure as a result of the pandemic. That was confirmed by the Minister, Deputy Foley, this morning. Those logging on to the State Examinations Commission website today will see the information is already there.