The rural independent group of TDs put pressure on the Government to conclude the review of the nursing home support scheme within three months and cut farm charges in Budget 2018, through a private members' motion in the Dáil on Wednesday.

The motion introduced by Mattie McGrath, Michael Collins, Noel Grealish, Michael Harty, Danny Healy-Rae, Michael Healy-Rae and Michael Lowry called for a reduction in the charges paid by farm owners entering the scheme; a reduction of five to three years of the period following a property transfer after which assets are excluded from means testing; and clarification of the "sudden illness or disability" clause providing for lower liability over time.

Minister for Health Simon Harris promised changes "in the context of Budget 2018", warning it was “essential that any amendments made to the nursing home support scheme do not in any way negatively impact on its future financial stability”.

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