News & Press Room

Macra na Feirme’s Rural Youth Initiative Committee has called on the Government to clarify what fees, in any, will be introduced for 3^rd level students. They have also questioned changes to the grant system for students.

Chair of the committee, Ger Griffin, said, “Students do not need this added pressure from Government when they should be concentrating on their education. Ireland’s strength is its educated workforce and we need to continue this high standard in order to retain the multi-nationals which have made Ireland their base but also to drive indigenous businesses. We must not let Ireland become a B&B for multi-nationals and allow them to import the talent which we could be providing them. Money could be sought from improving the efficiency in running 3^rd level institutions and cutting the wages of high income educators.”

The RYI Committee called on the Government to support the Ag colleges who are educating the huge number of young farmers seeking to enter the industry. The Agri-food industry is driving the economy and the inclusion of assets into mean-testing for grants will prevent many rural young people and farmers from affording a 3^rd level education.