Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 4

Written Answers. - Hepatitis C Infection.

Mary Wallace

Question:

94 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the reason transplant patients and others who contracted hepatitis C through blood transfusions will not receive equal representation at the tribunal; the arrangements in regard to a decision on compensation for these people and future medical care; and if medical and financial support will be available for these patients without any further delay. [11103/95]

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Question:

96 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health whether hepatitis C is confined to the female population only or whether it is a problem also for both men and children. [10848/95]

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Question:

97 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health the number of persons now presenting themselves for treatment for hepatitis C based on the BTSB figures. [10849/95]

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Question:

98 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health if he can reassure the public that all patients infected with hepatitis C are being given full access to their medical records by all hospitals concerned; or if there are particular difficulties in relation to some hospitals. [10850/95]

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Question:

99 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health whether, in the interests of equality, he intends that all those persons infected with hepatitis C should have access to the tribunal. [10851/95]

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Question:

100 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health whether it is proposed that members of Transfusion Positive and other persons infected with hepatitis C other than through Anti D will be guaranteed quality medical care now and in the future. [10852/95]

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Question:

101 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to introduce a hepatitis C card. [10853/95]

John Ellis

Question:

106 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Health if his Department will put in place a statutory tribunal to deal with the problems of hepatitis victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10965/95]

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn

Question:

116 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that members of Transfusion Positive are included in the Blood Transfusion Service Board's out-of-pocket expenses scheme as of right and not only in cases of hardship as at present. [11046/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 106 and 116 together.

Treatment for those diagnosed positive for hepatitis C, irrespective of the source of infection, is being provided at six designated hospitals. The treatment, including prescribed medication, is being provided by the public hospital service free of charge.

The services put in place for persons who have tested positive for hepatitis C 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 on-going basis to ensure that the necessary support services are provided to meet their needs.

The BTSB has informed my Department that as at 16 May 1995 the number of women who have tested positive for hepatitis C antibodies is 1,220 and 505 of these women are positive for the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C is not confined to women. The BTSB has also informed my Department that as at 16 May, 1995 12 children have tested positive for hepatitis C antibodies and three of these children have tested positive for the virus. Three partners have tested positive for hepatitis C antibodies. Some 562 women have attended the special out-patient clinics and 462 liver biopsies had been carried out, at 16 May 1995. There are approximately 18 women who are on interferon treatment.

The question of extending the services available to Anti D recipients who are infected with hepatitis C to include general practitioner services free of charge, is under consideration and a decision on this matter will be made in due course.

A limitedex gratia expenses scheme is being operated by the BTSB to ensure that all Anti D recipients are in a position to avail of the screening, counselling and treatment services.

My Department has recently written to all hospitals and health boards requesting that medical records be made available to those diagnosed positive for hepatitis C under the National Blood Screening Programme on request, save only in cases where it is considered that it would cause serious harm to the patients physical or mental health. In such circumstances, it is considered that following consultation with the patient, the record should be issued to the patient's general practitioner for discussion with the patient or alternatively the consultant in charge of the patient should discuss the medical details with the patient.

The policy document,A Government of Renewal, included a commitment to fair compensation for women infected by the hepatitis C virus from anti-D. The Government has decided to establish, as a matter of urgency, a tribunal which will assess compensation on an ex gratia basis in respect of Anti D recipients who are infected with hepatitis C antibodies/virus and the partners and children of these women who are also infected with hepatitis C antibodies/virus. The establishment of the tribunal is the subject of detailed discussions between my Department and the Attorney General's office and is at an advanced stage.

Other groups who have members who are positive for hepatitis C are also seeking compensation. There is ongoing consideration in my Department of the position in relation to people who are positive for hepatitis C who were recipients of blood transfusions. I have met with representatives of the Irish Haemophilia Society, the Irish Kidney Association and Transfusion Positive and advised them that decisions in relation to access to the compensation tribunal, when established, for groups other than Anti D recipients will be made in due course.