Health and Housing in rift over Fair Deal bottleneck on vacant homes
A SPAT is developing between the Department of Housing and the HSE over the alleged role of the Fair Deal scheme in blocking the freeing up of vacant homes as the country is gripped by a homelessness crisis.
Observers have pointed to the thousands of houses owned by people who are in nursing homes.
In a climate of housing shortages, they say these empty homes are a potential resource. However, many residents of nursing homes are under the Fair Deal scheme. Under its terms, the HSE may recoup up to 22.5% of the sale of a resident’s family home. Now Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy is looking at altering the tax code to make letting out such houses feasible. One possible solution is a tax credit for owners.
‘Families want to let out homes but they are deterred by the current scenario,’ Mr Murphy’s spokesman said.
However, the Department of Health is digging its heels in.
‘It will leave us looking more like vulture funds than carers,’ a senior figure said.
Fine Gael Minister for the Elderly Jim Daly confirmed ‘the departments are in contact on the issue and are seeking a resolution’.