Bernard Allen
Question:139 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, he is taking to support haemophiliacs in the Southern Health Board area who became HIV positive as a result of medical treatment.
Written Answers. - HIV Positive Haemophiliacs.
Peter Barry
Question:140 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, he is taking to support haemophiliacs in the Southern Health Board area who became HIV positive as a result of medical treatment.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 139 and 140 together.
Compensation for the infection of haemophiliacs by blood products provided through the public health services was agreed with the Irish Haemophiliac Society in 1991.
At present arrangements are being made for the provision of a consultant led infectious diseases service for the Southern Health Board area. This service will complement the full range of health services which are available for haemophiliacs.
My Department also provides substantial funding to the Irish Haemophiliac Society to assist it in providing a complementary range of services to its members, such as counselling, home visits, education, therapy sessions and information.