1252. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the financial pressure on working families due to the reintroduction of State examination fees for the 2026 Leaving Certificate (€116) and Junior Cycle (€109); if she is aware of the compounding cost of living crisis, due to the war; and the specific supports that are available to working parents, not qualifying for medical cards, who are struggling to meet these education costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24079/26]

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.

Schools have already been notified, and 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