§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will outline in the Official Report, the main or the most prevalent, abuses of the Northern Ireland social security and welfare services which are perpetrated by citizens of the Republic of Ireland.
§ Mr. CarterI have no evidence that the Northern Ireland social security services are being abused by citizens of the Republic of Ireland. The Department of Health and Social Services takes appropriate steps, which include regular contacts and exchanges of information with the Department of Social Welfare in the Republic, to prevent abuse. Nor do I have any evidence of abuse of Northern Ireland's personal social services by citizens of the Republic.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures are currently taken by the health and social services boards to prevent abuse of the health service by citizens of the Republic of Ireland who use accommodation addresses in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. CarterThe procedures of health and social services boards call for patients 529W to be registered with a general medical practitioner and to have a health service registration number. The central services agency carries out a check on all people registered, other than those registered at birth. My noble Friend the Minister of State would, of course, be happy to investigate any particular cases which the hon. Member wishes to bring to his attention.