Galway East Fine Gael TD Paul Connaughton is one of a number of government TDs opposed to plans to include farmland in a new means test for student grants.

Deputy Connaughton denies the matter has caused a rift in the coalition but says he plans to higlight his "grave" concerns to Education Minister Ruairi Quinn at the next available opportunity.

He says working assets are tools that make farming possible in Galway at a time when agriculture is already struggling, due to unseasonal weather.

Currently the means test is based on parents income, interest on savings and dividends.

Speaking to Galway Bay fm news, Deputy Connaughton says it should remain this way and the concerns of local farmers will be brought before the Education Minister.