I am very aware of the issue raised in relation to the treatment of farm assets in the proposed new capital assets test for third level grants.
It is important to note that decisions have not yet been made by Government on this matter. However, I ensured that my Department was represented on the Capital Asset Test Implementation Group for Student Grants, and that the implications for agriculture and for agri-food policy were fully explored with the group. I have also conveyed my own views on this issue to the Minister for Education and Skills on a number of occasions and these discussions are continuing.