Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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923. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the rule of the fair deal scheme to cap at three years the assets of persons and small business owners; when he expects it to be implemented; the way in which it will impact on persons already in nursing homes and paying these assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55278/17]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.

When the 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 recommendation to examine the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme. The programme for a Partnership Government has also committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small businesses and family farms. I am committed to this review, however, it is important to remember that the NHSS is largely underpinned by primary legislation and changes to the NHSS will require legislative implementation.

On this basis, I requested legal advice from the office of the Attorney General regarding potential changes to the legislation that will address this matter. The Department has recently received this advice and are exploring the legislative changes necessary and any potential impacts as a result of amending the scheme. It is not possible to comment on the specific queries the Deputy has raised at this time in advance of any proposed changes to the scheme being presented and progressed through the Oireachtas.

I have recently met with representatives from the I.F.A and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association to discuss the matter and will continue to do so in the future.