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.

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Rural Independent TDs seek Fair Deal farm relief

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.