Call for clarity on farm assets and third-level grant

The Government has been called upon to confirm if farm assets will be used in assessing the third-level grant for students.

Fianna Fáil spokesman on agriculture, Éamon Ó Cuív, made the call at the launch of his party’s Priorities in Agriculture Policy. He said a number of weeks ago, Education Minister Ruairí Quinn said capital assets may be taken into account in deciding whether students would be eligible for third-level grants.

“If this is confirmed, farm assets would be used in calculating the student grant, which for small family farms could be devastating.