1238. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Education and Youth the rationale for the reintroduction of leaving certificate and junior cycle examination fees for the 2026 academic year, particularly in the context of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis; when this decision was made and the reason it was not more clearly communicated to families in advance; to provide the expected revenue to be generated from these fees; if any consideration has been given to waiving or reducing these fees for working families who may not qualify for existing supports but are experiencing significant financial pressure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23828/26]

As part of Budget 2026, the Government has 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

Crucially, protections remain in place. 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.

I can advise that the State Examinations Commission (SEC) initially notified schools that fees would be charged for the 2026 State examinations in October 2025. This was reiterated in other circulars which issued in November, January, and February. A further circular was issued to schools last month with details in relation to the SEC's Online Fee Service. Full details of all fee rates are available here. Please note that the fees portal opened on 19 March. 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.

Schools and candidates have already been notified. The payment portal opened on 19 March. The SEC has also provided schools and candidates with contact details for those who are having difficulty using the Online Fees service. We are ensuring the process is straightforward, transparent, and well signposted, with full details available through the State Examinations Commission at www.stateexaminations.ie

In regard to how much the fees will generate, this is dependent on factors such as the overall number of candidates and rate of medical card eligibility. However, as a guide it can be noted that €12m was allocated to the SEC in Budget 2025 to meet the cost of the entry fee waiver in that year. This is only a small part of the overall cost associated with running the State examinations, the majority of which is funded by the State.