A proposed new loan scheme for third level education will leave behind those with rural and agricultural backgrounds.
The Union of Students in Ireland and the Irish Farmers Association met last Friday to discuss the proposal, which they say will deter people from rural and farming communities from applying to college.
“Any implementation of the new proposed loan scheme for students would disproportionately affect those from rural and agricultural backgrounds, deter them from applying to college, and widen the gap between urban and rural opportunities,” said Kevin Donoghue, USI president.
“People from rural backgrounds are more likely to be on 3rd level grants and so are more likely to be affected by the new proposals.”
Asset testing and the replacement of grant payments with loans will hit those who are already relying heavily on grants to go on to third-level, said Donoghue.
“Students from rural and agricultural backgrounds already face higher costs than those who are from urban areas, especially with expenses like accommodation and transportation.”
The IFA lashed out at proposals which they say will target young people from low income farms and effectively exclude them from grants.
IFA Farm Business Chairman Tom Doyle said that the farming community would “not tolerate” these changes.
The Irish government should focus on improving access to third level education to further drive the agri-food sector, a source of export growth and national economic recovery, Doyle said.
(Source – Donegal Now – 22/12/2015)