Call for waiving of State exam fees

The National Youth Council has called on the Minister for Education to waive this year's Leaving and Junior Cert exam fees to compensate students for the loss of teaching time during the ASTI dispute.

Students are required to pay the fees of £55 for the Leaving Cert and £52 for the Junior Cert within the next fortnight.

However, the NYC said that along with lost time, students have suffered serious stress during the row.

Council President James Doorley said Education Minister Dr Michael Woods could make a "significant gesture" by dropping the exam charges.