Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

92. To ask the Minister for Health if the concession of a €14,000 disregard on rental income for social welfare purposes will be extended to a disregard of rental income for the fair deal scheme. [26878/22]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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".

Following this, the Government has approved a policy change to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme “Fair Deal”, to incentivise applicants to the Scheme to rent out their principal residence after they have entered long term residential care. The rate of assessment for rental properties will be reduced from 80% to 40% for income from all principal residences. This will be reviewed after six months of operation, with the potential for further amendment after that point. The Deputy may be aware that a 100% disregard of rental income was originally proposed, however I sought the compromised and final agreed position of 40%. This compromise I feel goes someway to addressing the concerns expressed by some people in relation to medical cards, along with concerns I held myself in relation to non-contributory pensions and indeed safeguarding of nursing home residents. Any additional disregard of rental income would compromise this position.

This policy change addresses the commitments made under Housing For All Action 19.8. It is expected that legislation will be brought forward in the coming months. The change will be made through Committee-Stage amendment to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Building Control (Amendment) Bill 2022.