Assessing family farm as assets would unfairly penalise farmers – Deputy Crowe
Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe, TD, has described as an “unfair and unwelcome burden” a suggestion that the family farm assets would be included in assessments for the mean’s test for student grant applications.
A Report proposing the inclusion of capital assets and income in the assessment of applicants for student grants is to due be presented to Education Minister Ruairí Quinn in early September after the Dáil recess.
Deputy Crowe said:
“A Teagasc report for 2011 shows that only one third of farms are economically viable farm businesses and 35% of farm households are classed as economically vulnerable across the state.
“A Teagasc report for 2011 shows that only one third of farms are economically viable farm businesses and 35% of farm households are classed as economically vulnerable across the state.
“We are presently experiencing one of the wettest summers in living memory and many farmers across the country are struggling to make ends meet. The timing of this Report is likely to add financial and other pressures to an already struggling industry.
“Assessing capital and productive assets for student grant applications will unfairly penalise farmers.. It would be a further blow to rural Ireland as it would exclude many students from farming backgrounds from availing of grants to study help pay of their third level education.
“This retrograde proposal also fails to take into account a number of factors, including how farming incomes and related assets fluctuate on a monthly basis. Put simply, it would be a very unfair and unwieldy way of assessing applicants and would be yet another barrier to students wishing to further their studies.
“The Minister should take note of the fierce opposition to this move and find another way to ensure that any new proposed system of assessment for the student grant is fair, equitable and able to take into account the true income of the household and their ability to pay.”