Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have consulted with the two relevant Ministers on this matter, namely, the Ministers for Health and Enterprise, Trade and Employment. We have received a response from both Ministers. My officials are currently considering those responses. I will meet with the Ministers in due course to discuss the issue further with them. Social welfare is only a small part of this. It is a cross-Government issue that will require further work and consideration. The response to the pandemic was whole-of-government. This issue will have to be dealt with in the same way. Ultimately, it will require a decision of the Government. As I said, I plan to meet the Ministers for Health and Enterprise, Trade and Employment very shortly to discuss their views on it.

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