If every measure called for in USI's latest pre-Budget submission was put into effect, the cost to the State would be around £2.25 billion. And that's only the bits that are costed.

The students' union leaders are obviously avid Rolling Stones fans, reckoning that while you can't always get what you want, if you try sometime you just might find you get what you need.

The bulk of the multi-billion-pound package would be made up of capital investment in colleges and ITs. USI backs calls from the heads of ITs and universities for projects totalling some £1.8 billion. The submission also calls for £60 million for student accommodation and £14 million to bring maintenance grants up to the level of social welfare payments.

It also demands a £40 per month increase across the board in child benefit for children up to the age of five. Cost: £150 million per year.

Even more costly, at £200 million, would be the demand that child benefit stop at age 21, instead of 19, in the case of children in full-time education or training or the disabled. The amount paid for those 16 or over in full-time education should be increased by £40 per month.

USI also recommends that grants for all students be means-tested on the basis of student income rather than parental income. Other demands include the abolition of capitation charges and the extension of grants eligibility to those in part-time education and in NCEA-validated courses in private colleges.

As part of its pre-Budget programme, USI has launched a postcard campaign to support its calls for investment in third-level students. Each postcard will be sent to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and will call on the Government to implement USI's three core demands: an investment of £20 million a year for three years in purpose-built student housing; the abolition of all college fees; and the bringing of maintenance grant payments into line with social welfare legislation.