Mr. Niall Egan:

On the first question, the issue is the medical card people changing their assessment and coming in line with the recognition of the exemption of €14,000. I note from the Cathaoirleach's letter that this change is not being made on the medical card assessment until the end of the academic year 2026. I think it is a valid point, in line with what Deputy Donnelly has raised in terms of us not being in kilter with the academic year. When we are looking at reviewing the existing regulation and the sunset clause, we will bear both those points in mind in terms of trying to better align with the academic year but also making sure we continue to be aligned with the new changes in the medical card assessment. We will bear that in mind as part of the review of the sunset clause, which will be in advance of this time next year.

On the second issue in respect of the fair deal nursing home support scheme, the Cathaoirleach is right that there is no provision at the moment for a disregard for the contribution made to the fair deal scheme as part of the means assessment. The Cathaoirleach wrote to the Minister earlier this week. We have shared that correspondence with the relevant operational side, who are looking at the details of the case. At the moment there is no exemption, just to be aware. I do not know the details of the particular individual circumstances but it is possible that the changes we have made to contributory State pension regarding recognition of long-term care might be an avenue. Again, I cannot be certain given I am not fully au fait with the circumstances of the individual case. We will review and examine our current legislation in relation to means and scheme guidelines to determine whether a change is required and the implications, which could be very significant, in line with the proposal of doing so. We will be looking at that.