Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)

Is it possible to bring the Minister for Health to the House to discuss the fair deal scheme because it is not working and is unworkable because of the value put on properties in 2008 and 2009. Those properties are now worth only 20% of that value. I heard of a case recently in which a person was asked to pay up to €850 per week to keep a loved one in a nursing home, as it was 5% of the value of the estate transferred to them in 2008. That estate is probably worth approximately €200,000 now. The process must be re-examined and redesigned for today's property prices. I would like the Minister to debate the matter in the House or bring forward amending legislation.

I had a phone call yesterday from a constituent asking how to pay the household charge. To that end I ask the Leader to make contact with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to ensure all local authorities would advertise where to pay the household charge.