To ask the Minister of Health what action he is taking to address the impact of inflation on the tapered annual allowance concerning the pensions of medical professionals.

The current high rate of inflation is having a significant impact on all staff employed in the HSC as well as those who have now retired. The impact is also reflected across all areas of society.

Taxation is of course a reserved matter, with Annual Allowance (AA) limits set by HMT. I do however recognise the issues regarding taxation rules on pensions and am also aware that the current high rate of inflation is likely to exacerbate the issue in the near future.

Departmental officials are considering the issues associated with this together with colleagues in England, Wales and Scotland.