299. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to comment on his Departments engagement with the Department for Health in relation to examining the fair deal scheme to ensure it does not impede succession planning and recognises the distinctive position of agricultural land. [66134/26]

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, commonly referred to as the Fair Deal scheme, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means, while the State pays the balance of the cost. My colleague the Minister for Health has responsibility for the scheme.

A 3-year cap was introduced in 2021 for qualifying family farms and businesses, limiting the asset-based contribution to a total of 22.5% (7.5% a year, for 3 years). After three years, the value of family-owned farms and businesses is not considered when calculating the cost of a person’s nursing home care.

Farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions. That is why a Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established to consider whether existing supports are having the desired effect, and how supports might best be configured for the future. The Commission produced a thorough analysis and made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas including the recommendation to “Improve and align information on pensions, social welfare benefits and the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, also known as the Fair Deal scheme”. An implementation group in my Department has considered the recommendations and progress is being monitored on an ongoing basis. The work of the Commission ensures we have a comprehensive, well-considered foundation for our ongoing work in supporting generational renewal.