Health: Former UK Residents

Question

Asked by

Lord Laird
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]

Baroness Thornton
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.