§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions have been held with representatives of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence regarding implementing NICE guidelines in Northern Ireland. [187436]
§ Angela SmithGuidelines produced by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) are only applicable to England and Wales. In line with a range of initiatives designed to improve the quality of health and social care services in Northern Ireland, I am at present considering how guidelines issued by NICE can best be used in the context of Northern Ireland's health and social services. Departmental officials have undertaken discussions with NICE in that regard.