In the programme for Government, there is an ambition that we would become a leader in the provision of a world-class education model. However, in recent times a retiring college professor or president said that college fees should be increased and that students should have to take out loans. This, again, will affect students from rural areas much harder than those from urban areas. I ask the Tánaiste not to increase college fees because it will impact on rural areas. Students coming up to cities where there are colleges are already disadvantaged with the rising cost of accommodation. I ask the Government to ensure that the cost of college fees is not increased and that students will not have to take out loans.

I take that point. We are doing a lot to try to help students to access college. In particular, there has been a huge effort in respect of student accommodation. There is a lot happening in this city to ensure that students from other parts of the country can find accommodation here. I am sure that before any decisions are made in respect of improving the funding model for third level education, there will be an opportunity for a very extensive debate in this House.