I am pleased to inform the Deputy that where appropriate in-person assessments resumed since the 21/03/2022. Cases are being scheduled on the basis of clinical priority since this date.
It should be noted that, as was the case pre-pandemic, the scheduling of in-person assessment centres depends on the number of individual cases ready for scheduling in that location. Plans are in place to schedule in-person centres for Disablement Benefit in June 2022.
In addition to this my department are continuing to conduct desk assessment of Disablement Benefit cases where appropriate.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.