Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if legal issues have arisen in relation to the property elements of the fair deal legislation in the context of carrying out assessments for ancillary State support; the way in which families can acquire information regarding such issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45543/09]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Department is not aware of any legal issues having arisen in relation to financial assessments and the land and property elements of the scheme.

The Information Booklet on the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, clearly sets out how land and property are taken into account during the course of the financial assessment. Additional information is available in the Frequently Asked Questions document which can be found on the Fair Deal page of the Department's website.

In addition, individuals with further queries can contact their local HSE Nursing Homes Support Office, details of which are available in the Information Booklet, or the HSE Infoline on 1850 24 1850. It is also open to people to seek independent legal advice if they so wish.

Finally, the Deputy may wish to note that the Department's website contains a dedicated page on the new scheme (www.dohc.ie/issues/fair_deal/). Information is also available on the HSE's website at http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Older_People_Services/nhss/nhss.html.