Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has received the bill from the Republic of Ireland authorities for the cost of hospital care for Mr. Desmond O'Hare, following his injuries as a result of being shot by the Southern Irish police; whether Her Majesty's Government are responsible for the payment of health and hospital charges for United Kingdom citizens wounded as a result of terrorist activity in the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the claim by the Republic of Ireland that the United Kingdom will have to pay about £10,000 towards Mr. O'Hare's hospital bill.
§ Mr. NeedhamA bill has not been received from the Republic of Ireland in respect of the recent medical treatment provided for Mr. O'Hare. Citizens of the United Kingdom are entitled under EC regulations to obtain free medical treatment in the Republic of Ireland as a result of an accident or emergency while on a temporary visit there.
The costs incurred by each country in treating the others' nationals are calculated annually on the basis of average costs and average numbers of people moving between the two countries. A cash settlement is made to balance the account. The calculation of the amount to be paid is not based on the cost of treatment in individual cases.