Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the delay in receiving finances from the British Government in respect of people who pay social insurance in the UK but receive treatment here; the amount outstanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32291/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Funding is received from the UK Government in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1408/71. In relation to healthcare, the provisions of the regulations ensure that where people are affiliated with the healthcare system of one member state (insured with that system or covered by it), but residing or staying in another member state, they can access the public healthcare system of that member state. Under the terms of a bilateral reimbursement agreement between Ireland and the UK net liability between the two countries has been calculated on a lump sum basis. The payment made in any one year is determined based upon an estimate of the number of persons falling within categories eligible for reimbursement and for whom each country is liable and an estimate of the average cost of providing healthcare treatment.

The estimated number of pensioners for whom each country is liable is based on a survey by both administrations undertaken every three years. Such a survey has been completed this year and will be applied to determine the liabilities for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. Discussions on the amount due in 2008 have been proceeding with the UK authorities and a payment, profiled for receipt by the HSE in July this year, has not yet been made by the UK pending the completion of these discussions. It is expected that these discussions will be concluded shortly.