HC Deb 28 January 1988 vol 126 cc357-8W
31. Mr. Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with liaison between the health authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, where patients are transferred between hospitals in the two territories.

Mr. Needham

Yes.

32. Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what sums have been paid to the health services of the Republic of Ireland as reimbursements for the treatment of patients from(a) Northern Ireland and (b) Great Britain; what are the numbers of people treated; and if he will give any corresponding information for Republic of Ireland citizens treated in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Needham

Payments under EC regulation 1408/71 as reimbursement for the treatment of patients from Northern Ireland in the Republic of Ireland were IR£2,191,170 in the financial year 1986–87.

Payments from the Republic of Ireland were £478,429 in 1986–87. The costs are estimated annually on an agreed formula and the numbers of people treated are not known. Information relating to Great Britain is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.