Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2016
182. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health to examine the inconsistencies and inequitable situation whereby the value of a person's house is assessed for three years only, but a farmer's land value is continued beyond three years under the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16336/16]
View answerThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those assessed as needing long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. Participants' means are assessed on the basis of both their income and assets and in this context the principal private residence is assessed for a maximum of three years. There is no inequity or inconsistency here as this provision applies to all such residences, including those owned by farmers. In calculating contributions due, the Scheme does not differentiate between farms and other businesses. However, it is important to note that in specific circumstances, the farm or relevant business will, along with the principal private residence, be subject to the three year cap. These circumstances are as follows:
a. The applicant has suffered a sudden illness or disability which caused them to require care services; and
b. A substantial part of the working day of the applicant or their partner was regularly and consistently applied to the farming of the farm or carrying on of the relevant business until the onset of sudden illness or disability; and
c. A family successor certifies in writing that he or she will on a consistent and regular basis apply a substantial part of his or her working day to the farming of the farm or carrying on of the relevant business.
When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015. A number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies, including the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme. In advance of the Review, submissions were sought from groups or bodies who wished to make a contribution, and the Irish Farmers' Association made a submission in this context on which they expanded at a subsequent meeting with officials of the Department of Health.
An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Review. This Group is chaired by the Department of Health and includes representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE, the Revenue Commissioners, and when required, the National Treatment Purchase Fund. The Group will consider the submission already made by the Irish Farmers' Association.
The Programme for a Partnership Government has committed to reviewing the Nursing Homes Support Scheme to remove any discrimination against small business and family farms. Any significant changes ultimately deemed necessary to the Scheme will require legislation and will accordingly be addressed together at the conclusion of the Review implementation process.
