Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2019
479. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 4 April 2019, his plans to introduce a three year cap on farm businesses assets in circumstances in which a family successor commits to continue to farm the asset for a period of six years (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28126/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proposed policy change to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), to cap contributions based on farm and business assets at 3 years where a family successor commits to working the productive asset, has been approved by Government. My Department developed draft Heads of Bill while considering a number of complex ancillary policy and operational matters which may need to be addressed in the proposed legislation.
It is intended that this proposed policy change, the 3 year cap, will be extended to eligible existing participants in long term residential care so that they are not disadvantaged, but that there would be no retrospective recoupment of contributions for those who have paid contributions over and above the 3 year period.
The General Scheme of Bill for the NHSS was approved by Government on the 11th June 2019. The changes to the Scheme will come into effect as soon as the legislative process is successfully complete. I intend to progress this as quickly as possible, however, the timeline for completion of the legislation will also depend on how it passes through the Houses. The General Scheme has been sent to the relevant Joint Committee and I look forward to participating in pre-legislative scrutiny when scheduled by the Committee.
