Written answers
Tuesday, 29 January 2019
Department of Health
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Administration
Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
404. To ask the Minister for Health the timeframe for the implementation of the changes to the fair deal scheme agreed some months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4217/19]
Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
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.
A draft General Scheme of a Bill is currently with legal advisers for advice and legal quality control review. Subject to legal advice, I expect to bring the heads of bill to Government soon. The changes to the Scheme will come into effect in 2019 subject to the legislative process.
No comments