'Very sinister'- Irish mother regrets booking family holiday amid expected hike in college fees this autumn

Philip Boucher-Hayes was joined by Irish mothers on the latest episode of RTE's Live Line to discuss the expected increases to college fees that were recently announced by government.

Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless said that "as things stand" third level students will have to pay €1,000 extra in fees this year compared to last year, according to RTE.

50% of the fees have to be paid upfront, if you are paying in two instalments, according to Live Line.

First to speak to Philip was Irish mother Elaine who said that her eldest daughter is in college in Galway going into her final year in September and her second daughter has just completed her Leaving Certificate.

"It means we are going from having to pay €2,000 over the last three years to now paying €6,000 to cover the two of them."

"It's a huge impact on us....we are in the squeeze middle where we qualify for nothing...we pay our taxed like everybody else....and we are not going to get any assistance on that".

Elaine also said that her eldest daughter "works hard in the Summer to help us help her" and that the new changes have brought on limitations for her daughters on going to a college in Dublin.

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"Kids today have all sorts of restrictions put on them because of the whole financial situation....the cost of accommodation....college fees and trying to come out the other end without being over burdened".

Elaine also said that she regrets bringing her family on holiday, which was the third time the family has went on a holiday abroad ever, because now they are worried about paying college fees this September.

She also said that TD's and Ministers in government are "out of touch" and "not living in the real world" following the increase in college fees.

"If we have to take out a loan we will....but it's hard," Elain said.

Elain said that she is done with the government and said "I don't think they actually listen to us....they are not hearing us....and that will come back and bite them at some point".

Rachel was next on the line and said that when she heard the news she "got a serious shock and couldn't believe it".

Rachel lives in Dublin with four boys and two of them are in college at the moment. The third boy is finishing school this year and hoping to go into college.

Last year we had fees of over €4,000 and this year "at the drop of a hat it's gone up to €9,000....no warning".

"It's not the real world these people are living in to think people are just going to have that kind of money hidden away...it's not reality."

"Feeding children these days...the cost of bills....it's not easy...and then you're hit with this out of the blue."

Nichola was also on the Live Line to speak on the issue and she has three children going into college in September.

Nichola has to pay €9,000 for registration fees alone and she said they are "the tip of the ice-berg of the expense that families face".

"It's very disingenuous of the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste that you don't have to pay it all in one lumpsum...that makes no difference...the bottom line remains the same."

"I think it is an absolute own goal by the government if they let this happen....it's completely unfair....".

Nichola said that colleges out of reach are not an option for her children as many children are travelling long distances to get to college due to accommodation expenses as well.

"The timing of this...I didn't believe my ears...It's very sinister that the timing is now....the Dail is about to go into summer recess....people are away on holidays...I've thought of nothing else now".