§ Rev. Ian PaisleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many citizens of the Irish Republic are resident in nursing homes in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. HanleyThe information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Rev. Ian PaisleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how the Department of Health and Social Services ensures that only British citizens are subsidised in Northern Ireland nursing homes by public funds.
§ Mr. HanleyHelp from public funds for people in nursing homes is provided mainly through income support but other benefits may also be payable. The maximum income support payable is generally reduced by the136W amount of any other available income. In certain circumstances, income support is payable to people coming to Northern Ireland from other countries, including European Community member states, which have similar obligations in relation to their corresponding benefit schemes.