Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1865. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on an amended fair deal scheme to remove disincentives for sale and rental of vacant properties under Housing for All. [43334/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Act 2021, which was signed into law on 22 July 2021, and commenced on 20th October, introduces further safeguards in the NHSS to further protect the viability and sustainability of family farms and businesses. It also includes an amendment in relation to applying the 3-year cap to the proceeds of sale of a house while a resident is in long-term care, which removes a disincentive for scheme participants against selling properties that might otherwise remain vacant. The 2021 Act now extends the 3-year cap to cover the proceeds of sale, so that a person will be able to sell their home without incurring additional fees from their fourth year in long-term residential care onwards. This applies even if the home is sold before 3 years in care; the proceeds of sale will be assessed up to the 3-year point, but excluded from assessment after that. This addresses the first relevant commitment in the Housing for All Strategy (action 19.7).
The Government has also approved a policy change to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme “Fair Deal”, to incentivise applicants to the Scheme to rent out their principal residence after they have entered long term residential care. The rate of assessment for rental properties will be reduced from 80% to 40% for income from all principal residences. This will be reviewed after six months of operation, with the potential for further amendment after that point. This policy change addresses the commitments made under Housing For All Action 19.8.
The change was made through Committee-Stage amendment to the Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2022. The Bill was approved by the Oireachtas on 30th June and signed into law by President Higgins in July. However, there will be a further period before the Act comes into force, in order to allow for administrative and operational changes, as well as any other necessary arrangements, to be put in place.
