To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 7 July 2009 (WA 134), how much of the payment of €450 million to the Republic of Ireland for reimbursement of European Union healthcare costs for 2007 was an overpayment; when it and other overpayments in earlier years will be repaid or offset; what were the matters being negotiated with the Republic of Ireland on that issue; and what resolution of them has occurred. [HL1416]

Following negotiations with the Republic of Ireland, on the number of pensioners whose healthcare costs each country is liable for and the rate of payment, the accounts for 2003-06 have been closed and the terms to settle claims for the years 2007-09 have been agreed. The agreement substantially reduces the United Kingdom's liabilities on both the rate and number of pensioners and acknowledges that the payment of €450 million represented a contribution for 2007-09. The €450 million does not represent an overpayment for this claim period.