Vol. 406 No. 3
68 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health the plans his Department have to arrange for State compensation support for the 103 certified AIDs sufferers; if he accepts that these unfortunate people should be supported on the same basis as haemophiliacs who have become ill or died through no fault of their own; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Government's approach has always been that all persons suffering from AIDS and HIV infection should be cared for as part of the mainstream health services within an integrated framework of community, primary care, respite, hospice and acute hospital services. I am satisfied that adequate funding is being made available for these services through the financial allocations to the agencies concerned. A total of £2.2 million has also been allocated from national lottery funds for AIDS-related projects to a range of agencies including the AIDS fund, the Eastern Health Board, St. James's Hospital, the Coombe Hospital and Cork AIDS Action Alliance.
In addition to this funding, the Government made in 1989, specific allocations totalling £1.25 million to the AIDS Fund and to the HIV Haemophiliac Trust, to alleviate the hardship of all persons with HIV. These moneys, which were made available without prejudice, are being distributed to individuals on the basis of need.
The Government's task is to ensure that all AIDS sufferers have ready access to the full range of services required for their care and treatment.
I am satisfied that this is the case.
