Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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120. To ask the Minister for Health the statutory basis and rationale for charging persons in excess of the 22.5% cap under the fair deal scheme if the house they were living in before permanently moving to a nursing home is sold while they are in the nursing home; if his attention has been drawn to the incentives this creates to keep a property vacant during an acute housing shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13289/18]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means 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 setting, giving consideration to their care needs and personal preferences.

Under the NHSS legislation provision is made for long-term residential care, subject to the assessment of income and both cash and non-cash assets. In relation to the 22.5% cap on principal residence value, this applies only in the case of a principal residence held for the duration of long-term residential care. Where an asset is realised or transferred within the five years immediately preceding entry or in the period following entry into the Scheme, this cap will not apply.  

The NHSS is largely underpinned by primary legislation; consideration must be given to operational consequences and any unintended consequences that might result from any proposed changes. I am committed to ensuring older people are protected, particularly at what can be a vulnerable time in their lives and I am cognisant that changes to the Scheme could result in older people feeling obligated or under pressure to make their homes available for sale.  

My Department and the Department of Housing, Planning, & Local Government (DHPLG) are working together on the issue of vacant homes as it relates to older who are in nursing home care. Officials from both Departments  have met and are exploring this issue. However, it is a matter of personal choice for an individual as to whether or not they wish to sell their home upon taking up residence in a nursing home.