Rural TDs want the Government to commit to a reform of the high nursing home charges applicable to farm property under the scheme's means testing rules.
Means testing under the Fair Deal scheme currently includes the value of farm assets in the calculation of nursing home charges.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Rural Independent Group of TDs will introduce a motion in the Dáil next week looking for the value of farm assets to be discounted in the calculation of charges incurred under the Fair Deal nursing home scheme.
Tipperary independent TD Mattie McGrath told the Irish Farmers Journal that the group would “try to work out an agreement” on its wording with Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Helen McEntee in the coming days, but would in any case go ahead with a private members’ motion next Thursday.
“We’re seeking a reduced charge on farm assets, the same as the 90% agricultural relief scheme,” McGrath said. Only a person’s main residence (after three years) and the first €36,000 of their assets are currently disregarded under the Fair Deal scheme. McGrath added that the Rural Independents wanted to see legislation to reform the scheme adopted at the same time as the next budget to ensure changes can take place next year. The group includes deputies Michael Collins, Michael Harty, Noel Grealish, Danny Healy-Rae, Michael Healy-Rae and Michael Lowry.
ADVERTISEMENT
A review of the scheme concluded at the end of 2015, with the acknowledgement of high charges paid by farmers based on the value of their land, but no announcements have been made since then on proposed changes to the rules and funding of the scheme.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
Rural TDs want the Government to commit to a reform of the high nursing home charges applicable to farm property under the scheme's means testing rules.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
The Rural Independent Group of TDs will introduce a motion in the Dáil next week looking for the value of farm assets to be discounted in the calculation of charges incurred under the Fair Deal nursing home scheme.
Tipperary independent TD Mattie McGrath told the Irish Farmers Journal that the group would “try to work out an agreement” on its wording with Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Helen McEntee in the coming days, but would in any case go ahead with a private members’ motion next Thursday.
“We’re seeking a reduced charge on farm assets, the same as the 90% agricultural relief scheme,” McGrath said. Only a person’s main residence (after three years) and the first €36,000 of their assets are currently disregarded under the Fair Deal scheme. McGrath added that the Rural Independents wanted to see legislation to reform the scheme adopted at the same time as the next budget to ensure changes can take place next year. The group includes deputies Michael Collins, Michael Harty, Noel Grealish, Danny Healy-Rae, Michael Healy-Rae and Michael Lowry.
A review of the scheme concluded at the end of 2015, with the acknowledgement of high charges paid by farmers based on the value of their land, but no announcements have been made since then on proposed changes to the rules and funding of the scheme.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS