25,000 houses vacant due to complex Fair Deal valuation system

The Fair Deal scheme needs to be overhauled, said Independent TD Denis Naughten. File Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Up to 25,000 homes owned by people living in nursing homes are not rented out every year due to the complex valuation system in place, the Oireachtas health committee has heard.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Bill 2021 is currently before the Dáil. The bill covers how people who use the scheme — known colloquially as the Fair Deal — have assets valued for financial contributions to care.