UK paid Ireland €400m for health services for people who move between the two countries

The Department of Health has revealed Ireland received nearly €400m from the UK over the last two years under an agreement on the cost of health services for people who move between the two countries.

The UK paid Ireland €172m last year and €220m in 2013 in respect of people who are entitled to British social welfare, but benefited from healthcare in Ireland.

The high number of Irish people who work in the UK before returning home to retire has been cited as one of the significant factors that contribute to the payment.