Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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210. To ask the Minister for Health to fast-track the fair deal nursing home scheme working group review of family farm and family business assets, given that residents are paying on the double, through the capital value and the income generated from the asset; if he is aware of the financial hardship which this causes to families, when these are working assets; the membership of the working group; when it held its first meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1651/16]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme included a general examination of the operation of the Scheme, as well as the balance between residential care and care in the community. A number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies, including the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme.

An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Report. This Group is chaired by the Department of Health and includes representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE and the Revenue Commissioners. The Working Group held its initial meeting on 1 December, 2015 and is due to report to on progress to the Cabinet Committee on Health in June 2016.

Any significant changes deemed necessary to the Scheme, including any changes to the treatment of business and farm assets, will require legislation and will accordingly be addressed together at the conclusion of the Review implementation process.