396 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students taking up third level education on average over the past five years; and the number of students on average taking up third level education in Northern Ireland. [19437/08]

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following tabular statement.

*For some institutions data relates to 05/06.

In addition to these numbers approx 10,000 students study in private colleges each year.

Source: Department for Employment and Learning Northern Ireland.

397 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Education and Science his estimate of the average annual cost of putting a student through third level education. [19438/08]

Data on the average annual cost of living for higher education students is not collected annually. The main source of data is the Eurostudent Survey, which is conducted with other research in this area by the Higher Education Authority. The second survey in the series, published in 2005, indicated that the average monthly expenditure (excluding tobacco, alcohol and entertainment) incurred by a student residing at home was €340 and €672 for those living away from home. It is anticipated that the 2007 Eurostudent study will be ready for publication towards the end of 2008.