150 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person is resident in a private nursing home under fair deal and the cost of their stay is less than their pension, the position regarding the remainder of their pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43559/10]

The Financial Assessment for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme takes all of a person's income and assets into account. The person's contribution to care is then worked out based on 80% of the person's assessable income, which includes their pension, and 5% of the value of their assets per annum. The person retains the remaining 20% of their assessable income. The first €36,000 of the person's assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not included at all in the assessment. It should also be noted that a person will never pay more than the cost of their care.

Finally, if 80% of a person's pension per week exceeds the weekly cost of care, they will not qualify for State support under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.