Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome yesterday's announcement that the Cabinet has approved the amendment of the fair deal scheme to the effect that the 7.5% contribution, based on the family farm or a small business, will apply for a limit of three years and hope it will be expedited. I note that the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Jim Daly, plans to bring the legislation to the committee, as well as here, in the autumn. It will be one of the most important Bills to pass through the House. I would like to see someone who has been assessed for two years based on a family farm or small business being limited to three years or someone who has paid for one year only having to pay for a further two years. They should be allowed to defer the contribution attached to the business or the farm. These are specific points, but they are nonetheless extremely important. There are times when we must acknowledge that a particular measure will make a huge difference to families. I also like the fact that the business or farm will be continued for at least six years. It is a positive measure. I very much look forward to seeing the detail of the legislation. I know from dealing daily with families on the fair deal scheme that this change will make an enormous difference to families throughout the country in availing of nursing home care.