Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As "blood relative" is not a legal term per se, I am not in a position to accept the amendment. What I am proposing will resolve the issues. I thank Deputy Naughten for his constructive engagement on this matter. We have been speaking about this for 18 months. I have already outlined and proposed amendments to the Bill that will extend the definition of a family successor. It will provide for additional relatives within the first-cousin umbrella to be considered eligible as family successors. This includes children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of a first cousin. This will make all the difference. There is a clear legal definition for the relatives who will be eligible to become family successors under the fair deal scheme. My amendment does this and it will provide clarity for participants. It also avoids terms that will need further interpretation and determination such as the term "blood relative".

The issue that Deputies Michael Healy-Rae, Danny Healy-Rae and Michael Collins have raised was brought up, as Deputy Healy-Rae outlined, during Leaders' Questions. That was the first time I heard of it. The Taoiseach has given a commitment that it will be looked into. My understanding is that it is being looked into currently.

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