Kathleen Lynch rules out hike in cost of elderly care

Minister for Older People Kathleen Lynch has ruled out seeking any increase in contributions from the elderly towards the cost of their nursing home care despite an expert report which says such options should be considered.

For the second time in as many months, Ms Lynch said there would be no increase in either the asset contribution or the income contribution of those availing of the State-supported Fair Deal scheme, which is under increasing pressure to meet demand.

“As far as the Government is concerned, there will be no increase in the lifetime of this Government,” she said.