Ireland's Education Minister Defends Reinstating Exam Fees

0:00On March 25th, Ireland's Education Minister, Hildegard Norton, has defended bringing back exam fees for leaving certificate and junior cycle students. This year, families now pay 116 euros per leaving certificate candidate and 109 euros per junior cycle student. These charges were dropped during the COVID period, but returned due to tight budgets across government departments. The minister gets the squeeze from rising living costs, but says free COVID error perks can't last forever. She pointed out ongoing supports like free school books and free school meals. Officials confirm the fees are here to stay for now. Medical card holders and students covered under a parents or guardians medical card don't have to pay. This move balances the books while keeping key education aids in place for families.