A new survey shows 79% of Irish parents contribute around €428 per month to support one child with their college expenses.

Research carried out by the Irish League of Credit Unions shows parents are saving for an average of 8 years to put one child through college.

The report highlights 72% of family budgets have been adversely affected by the third level registration fee, with 60% saying they 'can just about manage to pay it'.

42% of parents who responded said their child 'not getting a job after college' was their most pronounced worry when putting their child through third-level education.

The report also indicates that 51% of students have to work throughout the academic year to fund their third level education. They work for an average of 19 hours a week.

The research shows that 44% of students now live away from home compared with just 32% in 2013, paying an average rent of €346.

The Head of Communications with the Irish League of Credit Unions, Mandy Johnston, has been discussing the results of the survey: