Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said there must be clarity that the outcome of a review into end-of-life benefits announced by the UK Government must apply to Northern Ireland.

The South Belfast MLA stated: “Coping during the end-of-life period is difficult enough without the additional pressures of managing a reforming welfare system to access benefits to which people are entitled.

“I therefore very much welcome the review announced by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the emphasis that the aim will be to improve engagement and make support in accessing the system at the end-of-life stage across all conditions more effective.

“I hope we will soon have clarity that improvements arising from the review will apply equally and immediately to Northern Ireland.”