Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate the issue the Deputy has raised. It is important that decision making is consistent across the country, particularly in the area of means tested assessments. The Department issues circulars to ensure inspectors at local level know precisely what they should take into account. I will ensure that the next meeting of inspectors is reminded of the need to apply the provisions of the circular on the self-employed and applicants for farm assist in a consistent manner.

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