Senator Malcolm Byrne has welcomed the commitment by Older People’s Minister, Mary Butler, that she will bring forward legislation early this year that will ease the financial burden on farm families and small business owners who avail of the Fair Deal Scheme toward nursing home costs. There are dozens of County Wexford families impacted every year. 

At present, because there is not a cap on the level of contribution, this can cause serious financial hardship and farm families in particular are concerned that they may lose the family farm. 

Malcolm said,

“This is a really welcome move and will help farm families and small businesses when they are often faced with difficult decisions concerning an elderly family member.”

Malcolm had been campaigning on this issue since his election to the Seanad last April and has spoken on it on a number of occasions. 

The Minister has also indicated that a new plan that will allow people grow old in their own homes with State support will be introduced by 2022.

Malcolm added,

“I have come across many families who have faced potentially huge financial burdens while wanting to provide the best possible care for a loved one. This will give them some comfort.”