I propose to take Questions Nos. 322 and 323 together.
The student charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services. The student charge in the 2004-05 academic year is €750. Students who are eligible under my Department's means-tested maintenance grant schemes have the charge paid on their behalf by the local suthorities and vocational education committees, in respect of third level study in Ireland.
The following tables set out the total number of students in receipt of funding under the three third level grant schemes, since 1997. The payment of the student charge under the schemes is extended to eligible students pursuing their studies in Ireland. This represents approximately 96% of grant holders.