Should we strip obese people of their benefits if they refuse treatment?

Obesity, drink and drugs hit the headlines last week after the Prime Minister announced plans to strip the dangerously fat, alcoholics and drug addicts of their benefits if they refuse treatment.

The Nolan show has been given figures which show over one million pounds a week is being spent on state handouts for drink and drug addicts in Northern Ireland.

Alcohol and substance abuse is the main reason in more than 11,000 claims. But another 1,000 people are on benefits because they are obese, adding a further £100,000 a week to the taxpayer-funded bill.

What do you think? Should people who are overweight or addicted to drink and drugs get state handouts?

On the line Patrick Mullholland from the union NIPSA and the businessman Irwin Armstrong