West Clare councillors seek action on reform of Fair Deal scheme

A CALL has been made for progress on changes to the Fair Deal Scheme, which funds nursing home care, in the interests of Clare’s farm families.

Councillor Joe Killeen made the appeal at the March meeting of the West Clare Municipal District when he proposed that members write to Clare’s Oireachtas members on the matter.

“The Fair Deal Scheme takes 7.5% of the value of a family home for a period of three years,” he noted. “If someone wishes to defer payment, the State pays, and it’s essentially a loan on the estate of the resident. For those who have a farm or a business, it’s not capped and people pay indefinitely. A family farm could be lost in 14 years. The only exemption is in the case of sudden illness or disability. The Fair Deal Reform Bill proposes capping the 7.5% payment after three years, subject to terms and conditions. I am proposing that we ask our Oireachtas members to put pressure to enact the Bill which has been postponed and postponed again.”

Councillor Killeen noted a reply from Senior Executive Officer (SEO) John O’Malley, who said that with members agreement, the district office would write to Clare’s Oireachtas members.”

The motion was seconded by Cathaoirleach of the district, Councillor Joe Garrihy. “It’s a good notion looking for action,” he said.