Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness has called on the Government to reverse its decision to reinstate state exam fees, warning that families across Waterford are being hit with yet another cost at a time of mounting financial pressure.
The move comes as households face soaring energy bills, rising grocery costs, and increasing day to day expenses, with Deputy McGuinness warning that the cumulative impact of Government decisions is placing families under severe strain.
Deputy McGuinness said:
“Parents across Waterford are now receiving letters seeking payment of state exam fees, €109 for each Junior Cycle student and €116 for each Leaving Certificate student. At a time when families are already struggling, this is simply another bill landing through the door.
“Government has now reintroduced fees for both Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate students. For many households, that amounts to a double whammy, particularly where there is more than one child in the education system. These are not small sums of money when added together.
“This decision was made in the full knowledge that families are dealing with a deepening cost of living crisis. Energy costs have surged, grocery prices remain high, and everyday expenses continue to rise. Households are being squeezed from every direction.
“When it comes to education, the reality for many families is that so called free education is becoming a fiction. Between voluntary contributions, books, uniforms, transport and a range of additional charges, the costs are significant. The return of exam fees adds further pressure.
“This is a clear example of a Government that is out of touch with the lived experience of ordinary families. They cannot claim to support households while at the same time introducing charges that make life more difficult.
“The Government must reverse this decision and scrap these fees immediately. Students should not face financial barriers when sitting core state exams, and families should not be penalised for ensuring their children complete their education.”
Deputy McGuinness said urgent action is needed to ease the burden on families and to restore confidence that education remains accessible to all.
Conor D. McGuinness TD 