Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

On the financial side, some €55 million in the budget has been allocated for the nursing home scheme which, we anticipate, will start by the middle of next year. On the matter of interest charged, the assessment will be carried out on the value of the house. The charge will be 5% for a single person and 2.5% for a couple per year, up to a maximum of 15% for the first three years. We are aware the value of a house may fluctuate. The applicant will have an opportunity to request a review of the value of the house and this will form part of the arrangement. If a person wishes to enter the scheme and avail of nursing home care, he or she may start to pay his or her contribution of either 2.5% or 5% immediately. However, he or she may also opt to defer that payment. It could be the case that a loan is taken out by such a person and obviously that will be subject to interest rates.