John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the statement, especially the clarification on cross-border co-operation. A solution may be possible, which is not what I heard on the ground yesterday. If that has changed, I welcome it. I ask the Minister of State to seek clarification from the Minister for Social Protection on the issue of home visits. Is that something that can only occur in exceptional circumstances or is there wider scope? It would be a solution in certain cases in which transport issues arise. Is it an exceptional or real option? I also ask the Minister of State to inquire of the Minister whether I can meet officials in the west on the cross-border issue. It is timely we are discussing the matter today since the last clinics will take place either today or tomorrow. I am anxious therefore that a solution be put in place as quickly as possible to overcome the problems to which I have referred. I have not mentioned south Mayo in great detail. It would be useful to put a cross-border arrangement in place with neighbouring Galway for that part of Mayo.

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