Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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458. To ask the Minister for Health if, in consideration of the costs associated with maintaining a house, even when unoccupied, if a person in the fair deal scheme residing in a nursing home would be permitted to rent out the house in view of the fact that such a move would help with the increased demand for housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40324/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Nursing Homes Support Scheme is a system of financial support for individuals in need of long-term nursing home care. Under the Scheme, nursing home residents contribute towards the cost of their nursing home care based on their means, and the HSE pays the balance.

Individuals contribute up to 80% of their assessable income (which would include any rental income) and a maximum of 7.5% of the value of any assets per annum towards their cost of care. The first €36,000 of an individual's assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not counted at all in the financial assessment. An individual's principal residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care.

If a person owns their home and decides to rent it out, any rent collected is classed as income for the purposes of the Scheme.