Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 May 2018
342. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the payment mechanism in place for families that have recently lost a relative under the care of the fair deal scheme; if the balance on an account can be paid off in instalments when family land has been listed against the deceased patient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23186/18]
View answerWhere a resident under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) has assets including land or property, they may defer their contribution to care based on such assets under Ancillary State Support (also known as Nursing Home Loan). This contribution becomes payable on their death.
Collection and recovery of repayable amounts of the Ancillary State Support is a function of the Revenue Commissioners, acting as a collecting agent for the HSE. Where the HSE has advanced monies by way of Ancillary State Support it calculates the amount due in relation to such support and gives notice of that amount and particulars of how it is calculated to the relevant accountable person.
The HSE notifies Revenue of amounts that become due for collection and in all circumstances Revenue makes contact with the relevant person before any collection activity is initiated. Where there are personal or financial difficulties, Revenue will always work with the person, provided there is meaningful engagement. While there is no provision for instalment arrangements under Ancillary State Support, if the accountable person wishes to pay by instalment arrangement then these payments are accepted by Revenue. Late payment interest charges may apply in such circumstances. I would therefore urge family members of the deceased to engage directly with the Revenue Commissioners on this matter.
