To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who is responsible for decisions on (a) applicability and (b) implementation of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance in Northern Ireland. (130695)

Decisions on the application of NICE guidance in Northern Ireland are a matter for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. The Department also sets timescales for health and social care organisations to put plans in place to facilitate implementation of NICE technology appraisal guidance. Responsibility for implementation of NICE guidance rests with the Health and Social Care.