New means test 'will deny farmers' children access to third level'

Farmers say the introduction of a means test for college grants that includes assets will deny access to higher education to many students from low-income farm families.

IFA president John Bryan said the calculations being used were deeply flawed.

He said that if education minister Ruairí Quinn proceeded with the proposal, he would deny many students the chance to get a third level qualification.

Mr Bryan said the IFA would mount a vigorous campaign of opposition to the system being proposed.