Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012
1075. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his policy regarding the nursing homes support scheme (NHSS) in respect of a persons when an ancillary State support loan is not possible as the homeowner has availed of an equity release scheme; the assistance is available in such instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48041/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAncillary State support is an optional element of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme which may be available to people who have land-based assets in the State. It is effectively a loan advanced by the State which can be repaid at any time, but which will ultimately fall due for repayment upon the applicant's death. In order to avail of ancillary State support, the HSE must register a Charging Order against the asset. The Charging Order is a simple type of mortgage which secures the money loaned by the HSE.
The fact that an applicant to the Scheme has availed of an equity release scheme is not, of itself, a barrier to ancillary State support being approved. In such cases any money that applicant received from the equity release which is still in their possession would be taken into account during the financial assessment and any equity remaining in the asset may still be considered for the loan. However, the HSE does not have to approve an application for ancillary state support where it is not satisfied that there is sufficient equity remaining in the asset to ensure the security of the loan.
