Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if property abroad can be taken into account in The Fair Deal Scheme. [9972/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Financial Assessment for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme takes all the individual's income and assets into account, including property and wealth outside of the State. The person's contribution to care is then worked out based on 80% of the person's assessable income and 5% of the value of their assets per annum. However, the first €36,000 of the person's assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not included at all in the assessment. It should also be noted that a person may never pay more than the cost of their care. Finally, the Deputy should note that the Nursing Home Loan element of the scheme is only available in respect of land-based assets within the State.