Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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206. To ask the Minister for Health the details of living expenses which are taken into account for persons that are applying for the fair deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49697/18]

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.

Participants in the Scheme contribute up to 80% of their assessable income and a maximum of 7.5% per annum of the value of assets held. In the case of a couple, the applicant’s means are assessed as 50% of the couple’s combined income and assets. The first €36,000 of an individual’s assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not counted at all in the financial assessment. The capital value of an individual’s principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. This is known as the three year cap.

Under the primary legislation an NHSS applicant may apply for certain items of expenditure to be taken into account and netted off against their means prior to the calculation of their contribution. These items are referred to as allowable deductions. An applicant can apply for the following to be deducted:

- Health Expenses such a doctors' fees, pharmacy costs and prescription charges;

- Interest on loans related to the applicant’s principal residence;

- Certain rent payments on the principal residence of the applicant;

- Property Tax and levies required by law to be paid;

- Maintenance payments as part of a separation agreement; and

- Child care costs.