Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No. The five-year rule applies in relation to farms. If the farm was transferred within the previous five years, under the fair deal scheme, it is taken into account in calculating the contribution paid to the nursing home. I refer to where the farm is already in the name of a family member and the 7.5% is being taken into account even though the farm is no longer in the name of the person in the nursing home.

The Minister of State is stating that under the legislation the three years only start running from the time the successor is appointed under the Act. That is now a very unfair system as the person in the nursing home is not getting the benefit of the farm and the family still have to pay 7.5% per annum.