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McConalogue slates Quinn comments
04.04.11
INISHOWEN TD Charlie
McConalogue has hit out at claims by Education
Minister Ruairi Quinn that some farmers and
self-employed 'manipulate' their incomes to secure
student grants for their children. Deputy
McConalogue said the claim had "caused anger and
concern" among rural communities.
“As a farmer myself, I am shocked and insulted by
Ruairí Quinn’s claim of what essentially amounts to
widespread fraud among agricultural communities," he
said. |
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Donegal North East TD, Charlie
McConalogue. |
"His foolish comments
have caused anger among the honest farmers and
self-employed workers in Donegal and across the
country, who are dependent on student grants to help
put their children through college."
He added: “There is a real fear that rural
communities will be discriminated against under the
new Government’s education policy. Our small schools
are under threat of closure and it appears that the
student grant system will be changed in a way that
does not favour agricultural communities and the
self-employed.
“Throughout the general election campaign, I
repeatedly expressed my concerns about the impact of
the Labour party’s education policies on rural
communities. I will continue to challenge Minister
Ruairí Quinn on any agenda which discriminates
against these communities,” added Deputy McConalogue. |
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