Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2016
570. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when the interdepartmental group will report following submissions by farming organisations regarding the fair deal scheme: its progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19701/16]
View answer571. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of meetings the interdepartmental agency group set up to oversee the implementation of recommendations contained in the review of the nursing home support scheme has held; the dates of the meetings; if and when it will afford the IFA an opportunity to make an oral presentation to the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19708/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 570 and 571 together.
When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) 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. Arising out of the Review, 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 (IFA) made a submission in this context on which they expanded at a subsequent meeting with officials of the Department of Health.
The Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group set up to progress the recommendations contained in the Review of the NHSS has held four meetings to date. These meetings took place on 1st December 2015; 26th January 2016; 5th April 2016 and 15th June 2016. This Working Group will consider the submission already made by the IFA, and will be in touch with the IFA at that point with regard to any clarifications or additional information that may be helpful.
The Programme for a Partnership Government has committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small business and family farms.
