Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2015
14. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the revenue generated from the sale of estates of deceased persons on fair deal schemes since the commencement of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14638/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, where an applicant’s assets include land and property in the State, the 7.5% contribution based on such assets may be deferred. This is an optional loan element of the Scheme which can assist an applicant with the cost of their care. The purpose underpinning the loan is to ensure than an applicant does not have to sell their house during their lifetime.
The loan can be repaid at any time but will ultimately fall due for repayment upon the applicant’s death.
Under Section 26(2)(b) of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 the Revenue Commissioners are the appointed agents for the State in the collection of the repayable monies under the loan element of the Scheme. The Revenue Commissioners and the HSE work together in the calculation of amounts due to be repaid to the State.
Since the Scheme commenced in 2009 and until the end of 2014 almost 10% of applicants who received support under the Scheme have availed of the loan. The HSE have advised Revenue that at the end of February 2015 €37.3m fell to be recouped from loans due for repayment, of which Revenue have recouped €22.1m.
