Carol Nolan
Ceist:1574. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the status of the fair deal scheme; the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33471/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (1574)
Freagraí scríofa
The review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) was published in July 2015. Arising out of the review, a recommendation was made to examine the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the scheme. The Programme for a Partnership Government also committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small businesses and family farms.
At present, the capital value of an individual's principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. This is known as the three year cap. This cap does not apply to productive assets such as farms and businesses except in cases of sudden illness or disability where specific conditions are met.
It is proposed to amend the scheme to treat farm and business assets in the same manner as the principal private residence where a family successor commits to working the farm or business, i.e. to cap contributions at three years.
The Government has approved this proposed policy change and the general scheme of a Bill to make the necessary amendments to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 is being prepared.