Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will clarify the powers of the Health Service Executive in relation of the home ownership of patients in their care. [13336/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There is no provision whereby the HSE may seek to sell the home of a person in long stay care. The Deputy will be aware that at present, some individuals find it necessary to sell their home in order to pay for long-term care. However, I recently announced a Nursing Home Support Scheme, to be implemented from 2008, under which there will no need for individuals to take this course of action. The new scheme will ensure that no-one has to sell their home during their lifetime to pay for their care costs.

Under the new scheme individuals will make an immediate contribution towards the cost of their care amounting to up to 80% of their disposable income. Depending on the amount of disposable income a person has, there will also be a deferred charge of up to 5% of their assets per annum. The charge is deferred because it will not have to be met during a person's lifetime. In the case of the principal private residence it will be capped at 15%. Finally, for individuals whose spouse and certain dependants are living in the residence, the charge will be further deferred during their lifetime. The Health Service Executive has responsibility for provision of long-term care and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.