Protesting farmers gathered outside the Department of Health in Dublin on Tuesday, nine months since they say structural changes to the Fair Deal Scheme – which helps finance expensive nursing home fees – were promised. As part of the scheme, assets are levied at 7.5 per cent although this is capped on family homes at three years. “The pension goes a little toward [the cost of nursing home fees] but it’s still €1,000 a week, €52,000 a year. It is that approaching precipice, however, that saw farmers turn out at the Department of Health even though there is confidence the Government will ultimately follow through. The changes to the Scheme will come into effect in 2019 subject to the legislative process,” it said.

Source: The Irish Times April 16, 2019 20:26 UTC