Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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30. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the rules of the fair deal scheme as they apply to family farms and family businesses, given that the current rules can cause difficulties for family members taking over these businesses, particularly where the three year cap does not apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13764/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015. The Review 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.

An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Review. 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, the Revenue Commissioners, and when required, the National Treatment Purchase Fund. These recommendations include the implementation of administrative reforms to the Scheme, including the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme. This matter is also referenced in the Programme for a Partnership Government. The Working Group is due to make a preliminary report on its progress to the Cabinet Committee on Health in June 2016. Any significant changes ultimately deemed necessary to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme will require legislation and will accordingly be addressed together at the conclusion of the Review implementation process.