Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will explain the proposal that 80% of disposable income be charged to patients admitted to nursing homes; if it will be 80% of gross or net income; the way business people and the self-employed will be assessed; if the 80% will be the full contribution or if further financial help will be sought from the family; the way the charge on the estate of the deceased person will be estimated and collected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3075/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Fair Deal, individuals who require long-term residential care will contribute a maximum of 80% of their net assessable income whether for public or private nursing home care. In calculating an individual's net assessable income, it is proposed that account can be taken of specified items of expenditure.

Depending on the amount of a person's assessable income, there may also be a contribution of up to 5% of a person's assets. The State will meet the balance of cost thereafter in public or private nursing homes and an individual's family and/or friends will not have to contribute towards the cost of their care. An individual can choose any nursing home subject to a) its ability to meet their care needs and b) availability.

The payment of the portion of the contribution relating to assets can be paid at the time when care is received, or may be deferred until the settlement of the individual's estate if they so wish. If an individual opts to defer this portion of the contribution, the Revenue Commissioners will collect it upon settlement of their estate.

Where the contribution is based on the principal private residence, it will be capped at a maximum of 15%, or 7.5% in the case of one spouse going long-term residential care while the other remains in the home. This means that after three years in care, an individual will not be liable for any further deferred contribution based on the principal residence.

Where a spouse or certain dependants are living in the principal residence, the contribution may be further deferred until after the death of that spouse or dependant, or until such time as a person previously qualifying as a dependant ceases to qualify as such.

Finally, individuals will be required to submit information on their income and assets in a manner and format specified by the HSE for the purposes of the financial assessment. This requirement will apply to all who wish to avail of the scheme including the self-employed.