Permanent changes to the Fair Deal scheme are expected to be brought before Cabinet for approval in two weeks.

Currently, the annual 7.5% charge based on the value of a farm for a farmer in full-time care means the family farm would be lost to the next generation after 14 years, as it would drain the value of the farm to pay for the care of a family member in a nursing home.

I intend to have it before the Cabinet in two weeks and I hope it will be approved.

The incoming legislation will put a three-year cap on contributions from farm families.

Speaking in the Seanad on Monday 19 April, Mary Butler, Minister of State Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, said the Attorney General had signed off on changes and she hoped to bring the bill before Cabinet and then that it would pass through the Houses quickly.

“The change to the scheme proposed by the Department of Health is to cap financial contributions based on farm and business assets at three years where a family successor commits to working the productive asset,” Minister Butler said.

“I intend to have it before the Cabinet in two weeks and I hope it will be approved. It will then come before the Houses very quickly. I have spoken to the Government's chief whip to ensure it can be facilitated and I would like to hope and encourage everybody to support it. I believe there will be great cross-party support. It is very badly needed.”