Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hepatitis C.

Ivan Yates

Question:

272 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health when the report of the inquiry in relation to the hepatitis C infection for women arising out of products provided by the Blood Transfusion Service Board will be published; and the steps, if any, he intends taking to ensure that all victims arising out of this infection are adequately compensated and given free medical treatment for the rest of their lives. [2087/94]

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The services which have been put in place for persons who have tested positive for hepatitis C under the National Blood Screening Programme will be available for as long as they are required. The needs of those who have been diagnosed as positive for hepatitis C will be monitored and re-assessed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the necessary support services are provided to meet their needs.

No consideration has yet been given to the question of compensation. As I have already indicated I am awaiting the report of the expert group which will be published in due course.