To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will have discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of increasing Barnett consequentials for dental services in Northern Ireland.

Funding for dental services in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. Barnett consequentials provided as a result of changes to UK Government department budgets are not ringfenced and it is for the Northern Ireland Executive to allocate their funding in devolved areas.

As part of the Interim Fiscal Framework for Northern Ireland, a 24% needs-based factor has been included in the Barnett formula for the Northern Ireland Executive to account for Northern Ireland’s greater level of relative need.