Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I bring the Minister's attention to another matter related to generational renewal. I will highlight an unfair flaw in the operation of the fair deal scheme relating to land transfer, for example to a grandchild, which is causing huge financial hardship for families. I will explain how it operates. This rule must be changed. If a family transfers land within five years of the owner entering a nursing home, this land is valued. If the recipients lease the land, they must pay the nursing home 7.5% of the value of the land on an annual base, with no three-year time limit like there is for the family farm. This could go on for 14 years until the total value of the land is paid over. This is completely unfair.

There is no possibility of deferring the payment, as there is for the family home. It is therefore a huge financial burden. Where is the family to get the funds? I know of a case in which a family or young person is being assessed to pay €23,000 per year and the income the person is getting from leasing the land is only €5,000. The person has nowhere to find the cash and it is putting them under huge financial hardship. I am sure the Minister will agree that this is totally unfair. I would like it to be looked at and changed immediately.

See this speech in context