Councillor critical of new Fair Deal Scheme

The lack of an allowable deduction for dependent children under the new Fair Deal has been criticised by Councillor Tom McNamara.

 

Councillor McNamara highlighted the adverse effect of this anomaly on a Clare family at a HSE West Forum meeting in Galway on Tuesday.

The Fianna Fáil Councillor cited the case of one couple with three children where a young mother became unexpectedly incapacitated, forcing her to obtain long-term care.

Despite their difficult circumstances, Councillor McNamara explained the new Fair Deal scheme doesn’t take into account the income required to look after three children.

Because the option of long-term residential care wasn’t an option, he explained the father had to give up his job to look after his three children because he couldn’t afford long term care and childcare at the same time.
“The Fair Deal Scheme never took into account young people can also require long-term care in certain circumstances,” he said.

HSE West specialist services for older people, Paschal Moynihan confirmed the new Nursing Home Support Scheme Act was introduced in October 27, 2009 and which replaced the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993 Scheme.

Under the 1993 scheme, Mr Moynihan noted provision was made for dependent children.

It stated “in calculating disposable income, a health board shall allow the following against income: €2,000 for each child under 21 years or in full-time education.”

Mr Moynihan admitted under the new scheme, there is no provision for an allowable deduction for dependent children.

Regional director of operations, John Hennessy pledged this proposal would be referred to the Department of Health to obtain their views on this matter.