I wish to tell the Tánaiste how much it is costing students to go to college this year. I will tell him about a student in my constituency of Meath West who goes to college in Galway. Last year, she paid €8,632 to go to college. This year, it will cost her €10,380 for the same room, just moving across the hall. How is that happening? There is an additional €350 in rent. Last year, they were talking about charging in utility bills. This year, it is service charges. They just change it. Last year, the utility charges totalled €1,100, while this year they are €2,000. That is an increase of over 80%. In addition, the Government is putting up students fees by €500. That will cost this student €1,748 more than last year to go to college. How is that affordable? This is happening to thousands of students right across the country going to college in Galway and other places. I was talking to someone this morning who has two kids going to college. That is an additional €3,500 compared with what they paid last year. At the same time, the Government is imposing another €500 in student fees.

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