A Clare farmers representative insists planned amendments to the Fair Deal Scheme just don’t go far enough.
Cabinet this week signed off on changes to legislation, which will see the financial burden for farmers or small businesses reduced.
An overhaul of the scheme has been long sought by farmers’ lobby groups, but the Clare Chair of the ICMSA believes more needs to be done, as Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports.
The Fair Deal Scheme provides financial relief to people who need long-term nursing home care, with applicants making a contribution towards the cost and the State paying the balance.
As it stands, farmers and small business owners have to set aside 7.5 percent of the value of their land every year to fund a place in a nursing home, and there’s no cap on contributions.
This means long nursing home stays in particular could prove very costly.
But new legislation signed off on by cabinet this week, will introduce a three-year cap on financial contributions, which will apply in cases where a family successor commits to working the farm or business.
It still needs to pass through the Houses of the Oireachtas though.
Sixmilebridge Solicitor Aisling Meehan says the move is welcome, but anyone considering applying to the scheme should look for advice.
But the Clare Chair of the ICMSA doesn’t believe the amendments go far enough.
O’Callaghan’s Mills farmer Martin Mc Mahon believes the Fair Deal Scheme continues to penalise people taking over the farm and those who need nursing home care.
Clare’s Representative on the IFA Farm Family and Social Committee says it’s a step in the right direction, but is urging caution, as the amendments have yet to be enacted.
Geraldine O’Connell agrees that other amendments will be needed, but feels this is an important first step.
