I welcome the changes proposed for the Fair Deal Scheme as it applies to the self-employed and farm families. It is something that I proposed in the talks for the Programme for Government and am now pleased that the Government have finally seen sense on the issue.
The 7.5% contribution on farms and business assets will now be capped at three years. Up to now there was no cap and these changes wil make a significant difference to the overall cost of nursing home care for a loved one for families of self emloyed people and farmer. There will still be a significant cost over those first three years but the proposals as outlined will be welcome and I look forward to the announcement on Budget day.
