Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

The Fine Gael amendment proposes that the percentage value accruing to the executive under this part should not exceed 15% of the estimated value established under section 10. This would be a protection for people and is in line with Government policy. As we have seen, there is huge volatility in the markets and in valuations and a person's individual circumstances could fluctuate substantially within a short period and the person's or family's ability to pay could be seriously hindered.

If, for example, a house has lost value since its valuation when the individual entered a nursing home, will this section mean that upon probate the State could take more than 15% of the value of the home? In line with Government policy, we believe an individual should be guaranteed to pay no more than 15% of the value of his or her home back to the HSE. I would welcome a clarification from the Minister of State as to whether it is the intent to keep the percentage at 15%. Will there be ongoing valuations to ensure that remains the case or could we have a situation where, given current values, a person will be asked to pay what is, effectively, 20% or 30% of the value of the home?