Just 207 homes rented under Fair Deal scheme despite promises to free up thousands

Reforms meant to unlock vacant Fair Deal homes for renters have delivered only a fraction of what ministers promised

Then housing minister Darragh O’Brien argued in 2024 that the scheme — allowing people living in nursing homes to keep 100% of their rental income — would propel thousands of houses into the private rental market. Stock picture: PA

Just over 200 homes belonging to people living in nursing homes, under the Fair Deal scheme, have been rented out, despite a previous housing minister saying thousands would enter the rental market.

The HSE has confirmed that 207 houses are being rented out from people on the scheme.