A long-awaited overhaul of the Fair Deal scheme is being approved today.

The aim is to reduce the burden on farm families and small business owners, as the current system sees them required to set aside 7.5% of the value of their land annually to fund a place in a nursing home.

Under the overhauled scheme, if the young farmers want the State to subsidise their parents’ nursing home fees, they will have to remain tied to the land for at least 6 years.

Minister of State for Older People Jim Daly told Ivan why it's good news.