To ask Her Majesty's Government what payments have been made by the Republic of Ireland to fund health treatment for Irish citizens living in the United Kingdom who previously worked in the Republic of Ireland; and whether they are continuing at the same rate. [HL3243]

The United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland make payments to each other to cover the cost of providing healthcare to each other's citizens. This is part of a bilateral agreement which is in line with European Union regulations covering patient mobility. The majority of sums due by both countries relate to healthcare for pensioners. There are around 5,000 pensioners in the UK whom the Republic of Ireland pays for every year, whereas there are around 50,000 pensioners in the Republic of Ireland whom the UK pays for every year. The advance payments due by the Republic of Ireland have totalled around £17 million in each of the past three years. These sums have been offset against the reciprocal payments the UK makes to the Republic of Ireland.