The government has doubled down on the deeply unfair decision to reintroduce State examination fees , according to Social Democrats education spokesperson Jen Cummins.
Deputy Cummins said:
“Emails issued to school principals directing them to send information regarding the collection of fees to parents demonstrate a refusal by government to listen to the concerns of families already under significant financial pressure.
“These actions show the government is doubling down on a decision that is already causing real anxiety for families. This is a tone-deaf move at a time when households are struggling to cope with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
“Parents are already facing mammoth costs every month, from keeping up with rent or mortgages, paying energy bills, or covering basic school costs. Now, the government is asking schools to send home another bill.
“I raised this issue in the Dáil last week, yet no positive action has been taken, just more fast-tracking of policies that make life harder for families, rather than alleviating some of the burden these unprecedented times.
“The move puts principals and teachers in an extremely difficult and unnecessary position, risking damage to the relationship between struggling families and school communities – the whole process has shown the government lacks understanding of the pressures facing ordinary households.
“The reintroduction of State examination fees must be immediately reversed and permanently abolished. Education is a right, and access to exams should never depend on a family’s ability to pay.”
March 23rd, 2026