There are 18 Deputies offering and unless Deputies co-operate with time, there will be four who will not get in.

The Minister came to the Chamber this afternoon with big folders and is surrounded by his colleagues, including the Minister for higher education, Deputy Lawless, but could not answer a straightforward question. It is not acceptable, smart or clever to come to the Chamber and refuse to answer a very straightforward question that students and their families need clarity on. Will their fees be set at €2,000 or €3,000? The Minister, Deputy Lawless, started this debate. He volunteered the information that fees would increase. I again ask the Minister to have the decency to be clear with students and their families and state the position clearly when he takes to his feet. If he cannot, the Minister, Deputy Lawless, should avail of the opportunity to make it clear whether students and their families will pay €2,000 or €,3000. It is a very straightforward question. Surely to God one of you can answer it.

I thank Deputy McDonald. She has been in the House longer than I have, but she will understand that the budgetary process takes place in October, not June, July or August.

It does not take place in a studio in RTÉ.

Have the respect to listen, please.

The budgetary process is under way. I am fighting within the resources available for students and their families for the best possible outcome across the board in all of the measures the Minister, Deputy Chambers, outlined, including SUSI grants, fee thresholds and the student contribution fee, along with the cost of accommodation-----

Will the fees be €2,000 or €3,000?

Allow the Minister to answer.

No figure has ever been produced ahead of the budget in any area of Government spending, and that will not change this year no more than any other year. That has always been the position.

The Minister has put the heart crossways in families.