Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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427. To ask the Minister for Health his discussions with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding the concerns of farming organisations about the viability of the family farm in meeting the costs of nursing home care under the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19698/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) 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. Arising out of the Review, 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. In advance of the Review, submissions were sought from groups or bodies who wished to make a contribution, and the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) made a submission in this context on which they expanded at a subsequent meeting with officials of the Department of Health.

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. In considering this issue, the Working Group will seek any further inputs that it considers to be needed, including from other Government Departments.

The Programme for a Partnership Government has committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small business and family farms.