Written answers

Thursday, 29 November 2018

Department of Health

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Administration

Photo of Fiona O'LoughlinFiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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140. To ask the Minister for Health when the new arrangements in relation to the fair deal scheme will be introduced; if legislation is required to change the rules for same to introduce a three year cap on the inclusion of productive assets in the assessment or as part of the assessment for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49892/18]

Photo of Jim DalyJim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The proposed policy change to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), to cap contributions from farm assets at 3 years where a family successor commits to working the productive asset, has been approved by Government. My Department is working on the development of draft Heads of Bill while considering a number of complex ancillary policy and operational matters which may need to be addressed in the proposed legislation.

It is intended that this proposed policy change, the 3 year cap, will be extended to eligible existing participants in long term residential care so that they are not disadvantaged, but that there would be no retrospective recoupment of contributions for those who have paid contributions over and above the 3 year period.

Work on the Heads of Bill is all but complete by my officials and the bill will shortly go forward for legal stress testing. Subject to legal advice, I expect to bring the bill to Government in the coming months.

The changes to the Scheme will come into effect in 2019 subject to the legislative process.

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