Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he has taken to address the concerns regarding changes to the assessment of third level grant aid to students from a farming background; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28516/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I announced last December that the means test for student grants will be amended to take account of the value of certain capital assets as well as income for the 2013/14 academic year.

A dedicated Capital Asset Test implementation group has been established. The group has been charged with bringing forward detailed implementation proposals on new means testing arrangements for student grants, to include the value of assets, for new applicants from the 2013/14 academic year.

No decision has been taken on the treatment of farm or other business assets. In the circumstances, I am not in a position to say at this time what assets may be included. However, any proposals in this regard will require further Government agreement and necessitate legislative amendment.