Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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665. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the proposed amendment to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 to remove disincentives against the rental of vacant properties by participants in the fair deal scheme; the way that appropriate safeguards for vulnerable older persons will be incorporated into that amendment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3281/22]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as 'Fair Deal', is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. The primary legislation underpinning the NHSS is the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009. Participants in the NHSS 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 settings.

The Department of Health has agreed to action 19.8 in the Housing for All Strategy to develop a mechanism in relation to the rental of vacant properties "in a way that is targeted, equitable, evidence-based and provides appropriate safeguards for vulnerable older people". It is important to note that complex policy questions remain in meeting these criteria and there are high risks associated with unintended consequences. Due care needs to be taken to ensure that any changes to the scheme are appropriate and will protect and meet the needs of nursing home residents while also making provision for those in need of housing.

The NHSS is a complex €1.4 billion Scheme that relies on €350m of contributions from over 22,000 residents. It is important to ensure that the costs, benefits, and unintended consequences of any policy changes are fully understood and resolved before they are put in place.

Work continues within the Department of Health on this policy, in collaboration with the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This includes the identification of the number of houses that may be brought into use and the costs associated with the policy options available to address this action. Legislation will be introduced as soon as possible once this analysis and policy development is complete.