Press Room

Macra na Feirme’s Rural Youth Initiative committee met to discuss the impact of Budget 2012. Chairperson of the Committee, Ger Griffin, responded strongly to the budget cuts in education and increased registeration fees.

Speaking at the meeting, he said, “The cuts in the budget will be an increased barrier to education for people of all ages. Many young people will have to opt out of education because they cannot afford the increasing costs. This is becoming more acute as the prospect of temporary and part time employment for students is seriously diminished.”

He stated that investment in education is essential for the future of Irish society and the Irish economy. “The Government needs to review its priorities and acknowledge the role of education in the recovery of the economy. The cost of education needs to be acknowledged as a worthwhile investment and not just an expense that can be reduced and reduced.”

“The current policy is regressive and will result in a lowering of the standard of primary, secondary and third level education when it has been widely acknowledged that the standards need to be increased.”

He concluded by saying that the means testing criteria for third level grants cannot take into account the notional value of agricultural land as this does not reflect parents’ capacity to fund their children’s education. “Income must be the sole basis for qualification for such assistance and this principle has been well established and should be adhered to.”