Concern has been raised about the adequacy of the means test for third-level grants, after a new report found one in four students whose parents are large farmers received assistance from public monies.
Some 25 per cent of students from farms of 200 acres or more received assistance at a university or an institute of technology in 1998, according to the latest Higher Education Authority (HEA) report, published yesterday.
It also showed a considerable number of higher professionals and students from homes headed by an employer/manager qualifying for a grant.
More than 200 students from large farms received grants intended for parents whose income level was below about £20,000. Those living near their college received £826 with those living further away getting £1,652 for the year.
A recent survey from the farming group, Teagasc said, generally, the larger the farm the larger the income. However, Mr Michael Miley of Teagasc said yesterday that while farmers in dairying with 200 acres could be making considerable sums, those in beef or sheep would be making far less. The HEA report does not disclose the sectors in which the farmers were involved.
The chairman of the HEA, Dr Don Thornhill, in his introduction to the report - on the social background of college entrants - said the finding relating to agriculture raised a serious issue.
"While the State is aiming to increase the number of entrants to higher education from disadvantaged groups, many people from these backgrounds do not receive financial aid from the State, while many from more advantaged social backgrounds do receive such aid".
Some 873 children, or 43 per cent of those with parents farming 100 acres or more, also received a grant in 1998. The average farm in the Republic is between 80 and 100 acres.
Overall almost 60 per cent of farmers received a grant in 1998. This compared with 80 per cent of students from unskilled backgrounds. About 20 per cent of children of employers/managers received a grant, with about 15 per cent of higher professionals getting assistance.
In relation to participation in third level by farming families, the report, Social Background of Higher Education Entrants, said those from larger farms were "over represented" in college and children of smaller farmers were "under represented".