Matters in relation to the Nursing Home Support Scheme (the Fair Deal scheme), including the assessment of a couple’s means under that Scheme, are a matter for the Minister for Health.
My Department provides income supports through a mixture of contributory payments, which are based on a person's social insurance record, and means-tested social assistance payments.
A State pension (contributory) recipient can claim an increase on their pension in respect of a qualified adult where the eligibility conditions for this means-tested payment are satisfied.
An Increase for qualified adult (IQA) is payable at the maximum rate of payment where the means of the qualified adult are not more than €100 per week. Reduced rates are payable where means are over €100 and not more than €310 per week. No increase is payable where means are in excess of €310 per week.
A review of the rate payable can be undertaken where a reduced rate IQA is in payment, and the individual’s circumstances have changed. Although no additional allowances are paid to the qualified adult when their spouse or civil partner has moved to residential care, the payment of eligible allowances, such as fuel allowance will continue in payment.
By its nature, the means test takes account of the income of a person or couple in terms of cash, property - other than the family home - and capital. It does not take account of a person’s expenditure commitments or income tax circumstances.
Any decision in relation to the impact of nursing home fees under the Fair Deal scheme on means tests for the schemes operated by my Department would have budgetary implications and would have to be considered from an overall policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.