Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate this is an important issue for the Deputy and for his constituents. I am afraid I am at a disadvantage in that I did not know this topic was going to be raised and I do not have a note on it. I am aware, however, that there are implications from that court case. The Minister for Finance is across that issue and is working on a solution, if it is possible to come up with one, which I am sure it will be.

On assessments, my strong view is that if an assessment can be carried out virtually it should be done virtually and if it is being done in some counties I do not see why it should not be done in all counties. There may be occasions where a physical examination or an inspection of a home needs to be done but where these assessments can be done virtually, that should be done.

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