I propose to take Questions Nos. 127, 165, 309 and 310 together.
The charge referred to by the Deputies is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and student services. The amount of the charge is reviewed annually by the Higher Education Authority and my Department. No decision has been made on the level of the charge for the 2003-04 academic year.
It should be remembered that students who are eligible for means tested student support, in addition to any grant they are entitled to, have the charge paid on their behalf, either directly by my Department or through the local authorities and vocational education committees. This means that 34% of students in universities and 47% of students in institutes of technology do not pay the charge.