Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Later today the House will debate Report Stage of the Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Bill 2006. My colleague, Deputy Twomey, has consistently raised the concern about certain provisions in this Bill which will require the Health Service Executive to take into account 5% of the value of an applicant's house when he or she is applying for nursing home subvention. I understand this rule is being put into primary legislation for the first time and it is the cause of considerable concern to a great number of elderly people, many of whom are frail and vulnerable.

Yesterday I noted the comments of Age Action Ireland that the application of the rule would effectively force many elderly people to dispose of the family home. The Taoiseach is only too well aware of the value of the family in our Constitution and the family home is part of that social bond. In the past decade the country has seen dramatic increases in house prices. For instance, the average price of a modest, average house in 2006 is approximately €300,000 compared to approximately €75,000 to €76,000 ten years ago.

The rule allows the HSE to calculate what it considers a notional income of 5% of the market value of the house. That means someone looking for nursing home subvention and living in a modest, average house would have a notional income assessed at over €15,000. The Taoiseach will be well aware that notional income, together with an old age pension, would see a person fail to qualify for subvention and, as a consequence, be forced to sell the home. The trouble is that one cannot buy anything with a notional income. One cannot buy groceries in Tesco, Dunnes Stores or elsewhere with a notional income, but the HSE can use it as a method to deprive a person of subvention for a nursing home.

Given the concern and the fact that this is causing anxiety to a great number of elderly people, is the Taoiseach prepared to withhold the section of the Bill dealing with the 5% notional income assessment until its implications can be thoroughly reviewed?

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