Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

The measures are based on a proposal submitted to the Minister for Health and Children by the IFA. The 5% is consistent with the current subvention scheme. The interdepartmental working group on long-term care considered that this was a fair amount to contribute to long-term care. Bearing in mind that it is capped at the cost of the care, rich people may pay less than 5%. This measure gives owners of farms or businesses who have not had an opportunity to transfer their property to someone else an opportunity to cover the cost of their care at a capped cost of 5%.

Sudden illness and disability is not defined because it would be impossible to take account of all possible individual situations. As such, any definition could seem to exclude people who might otherwise benefit from these important measures.