Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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471. To ask the Minister for Health the indicative timeline for the commencement of the plan to exempt rental income from the fair deal nursing home scheme which will increase the supply of available properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12331/22]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is actively collaborating with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other Departments in the development of 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", as committed to in Housing for All action 19.8. Complex policy questions are currently being resolved in order to meet these criteria and mitigate the high risks and costs associated with unintended consequences, with a view to introducing legislation as soon as possible once this is complete. I expect to be in a position to bring legislation forward in the coming months.