Amy Kennedy says people have been used to paying 2,000 euro a year, and the permanent cut of 500 euro is effectively a rise for most

Nicola's one income family is now facing a bill of €9,000 in contribution fees alone to send their children to college this year.

'The programme for government makes clear that budget by budget we want to make student life more affordable for students and for parents'

The biggest budget in the history of the State has been unveiled, the last before an upcoming General Election.