Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton has defended the reintroduction this year of exam fees for Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle students.
The charge was suspended during Covid but has been reinstated this year with families required to pay €116 per Leaving Certificate candidate and €109 per Junior Cycle candidate.
"We absolutely understand that at the moment there are cost of living pressures", Ms Naughton said.
But she said she had to manage her budget "within the contraints".
The minister said the Government could not continue "with free measures that came in during Covid time".
"All Government departments have had to reinstate some of those charges, but we also have to acknowledge free school books and free school meals."
"At this point the exam fees will remain," she added.
Medical card holders are exempt from the examination fees as are students who are covered for all services on a parent or guardian's medical card.
