Mr. Ultan Hynes:

I confirm that the valuation of a property is taken at the time of application, and there is no further valuation or revaluation of the property for the lifetime of the person in care. Regarding selling the property, we need to separate out the issue of ancillary State support. People who take out a loan on a property can pay that back at any time. They do not have to sell their property, they can pay back that loan at any time, if they wish to do so. People generally do not wish to do that, because the situation usually occurs after someone passes away. There may even be a deferral. I do not think it is appropriate for me to comment on the issue of selling property.