College grants - Carry on Minister

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn laid out an ambitious reform agenda when he entered Government and he has shown determination in its pursuit.

Though we are at the early stages of his efforts to reflect a changed society by reforming school patronage, the project, despite some unwavering opposition, continues.

Mr Quinn has decided to confront another sacred cow — how farm and business families are considered for third-level grants and if the value of the family farm or business should influence that process.

Even though proposals have not yet been brought to cabinet there has been, predictably, a knee-jerk opposition from Fine Gael. Mr Quinn should persist though. Just as he is right on school patronage he is on solid ground on this issue. There is a case to answer though what that answer might be remains unclear.

There are many anomalies in how people are treated by the tax or grants systems. To tens of thousands of commuters the family car is as essential to their work as a farm tractor is to any farmer yet they are treated completely differently by the taxman. This is a long list and it may be time to review it to promote equity.

This especially so as so many of the grants given to farms or businesses seem to be as much about indirectly sustaining property or family legacies and the privilege that confers as they are about the immediate issue at hand. Even in a society that correctly observes considerable property rights there are questions to answer on this issue and Mr Quinn, and all of Government, should consider them honestly and openly. If they then conclude it is appropriate and fair to change our current arrangements then let them do so. If not, so be it.