Fair Deal rationing 'disappointing'

Draft legislation to end nursing home charges on farms after three years has yet to be introduced.

Odile Evans

17 July 2019

Caroline Farrell, IFA farm family chairperson

The IFA has said it is opposed to anything that prevents people from getting nursing home care under the Fair Deal scheme.

There are reports that nursing home places for those ready to be discharged from hospital are being rationed due to growing pressure on the Fair Deal scheme budget.

“We wouldn’t endorse anything that obstructs people from getting care,” IFA farm family chair Caroline Farrell said.

The organisation is still pushing for draft legislation to end nursing home charges on farms and other family businesses after three years to be brought in by the end of the year.

Farrell added that the IFA is hoping to present its position on the Fair Deal scheme to the Oireachtas committee on health shortly.

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