The IFA president says farmers will not tolerate the inclusion of farmland in assessing eligibility for third-level grants.

John Bryan has warned that any move to include productive assets, such as farmland, would show a complete bias against farmers and other self-employed persons.

Today’s Irish Independent claims a revolt is taking place among Fine Gael backbenchers – should Labour Education Minister Ruairi Quinn go ahead with these changes, which are currently under review.

Farmers fear their land would be included for the first time in means tests for student grants.

Small shop and business owners also fear their premises might be included – they’re currently only assessed on their actual income from their farm or business.

Meanwhile, Roy O’Brien – Regional Development Officer with the IFA – says there are major questions to be addressed over how land or assets will be assessed or measured, if the new system for qualifying for third-level grants is introduced.

Mr O’Brien says all farmers want is fair play, and he argues it’s not fair to include the value of land or stock when assessing eligibility for college grants.