Farmers condemn 'lunatic' changes to grants assessments

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) has described as "lunacy" proposed changes to the assessments of third level maintenance grants.

It is thought the changes may see productive assets such as farmland and machinery being included in the means testing of the grants.

ICSA president Gabriel Gilmartin said children from low income farm families risked being excluded from third-level education.

"We're calling on all rural TDs to come out and oppose this proposal, this lunacy," he said