Page 84 of the programme for Government states that changes to the nursing home scheme will be introduced in order to remove the discrimination that exists against small businesses and small family farms. I have been contacted by a number of small farmers who are at the end of their tether about this issue, which has been ongoing for a considerable time. These farmers are struggling to pay the payments due to nursing homes where they have their loved ones. The IFA has raised this and I have met with the national chairperson, Maura Canning, to discuss the issue. When will these changes, which are long overdue, come into effect to stop the unacceptable situation?

Any such changes would require changes to primary legislation in the nursing home support scheme. I do not have a date for that legislation but I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Helen McEntee, to contact the Deputy directly.