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The Ireland Question
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Why the Union matters✕ No clear answer

What would an independent Northern Ireland have to pay for itself?

Short answer

Everything: all public services, pensions, benefits, defence, debt and the gap between spending and tax, currently covered by the UK.

What we know Fact

What is still unclear Interpretation

Hardly anyone proposes an independent Northern Ireland, but the question shows how much the UK pays for.

Sources

  1. Department of Finance NI: Net Fiscal Balance reports

Last checked 4 October 2026 · Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll correct it.