4 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of haemophiliacs who have died from AIDS in this country since the condition was first identified; and the number of haemophiliacs who are now believed to be suffering from the condition.
Since the commencement of neurological testing in this country there have been ten reported haemophiliac deaths from HIV, 112 haemophiliacs have tested positive for HIV antibody and there have been 19 reported cases of AIDS.
In view of the seriousness of the issue and the fact that the second part of my question has been ruled out as beingsub judice and in view of the announcement made by the Minister last evening, may I ask whether the involvement of the other defendants is no longer an issue, which the Minister said resulted in the delay? Will the £7 million include the £1 million already paid to the trust fund to deal with day to day care? Will it cover legal costs? Will the families of the haemophiliacs who have died benefit from the settlement? In view of the difference between the sum of £15.2 million — the amount sought by the group — and the £7 million, will the Minister give consideration to the matter?
I have to tell the Deputy and the House that I permitted this question to be tabled on the basis that it was essentially statistical. Thesub judice aspect of the matter must not be infringed.
Subject to your decision in the matter, if you agree I might give the House the sequence of events in the negotiations that have taken place from January to date — this is the information I gave publicly yesterday.
On a point of order, the Taoiseach indicated this morning that he would provide time. I do not think the Taoiseach had in mind Priority Question Time.
Let the Minister have discretion in this matter. The Chair has referred to thesub judice aspect. The Minister is in charge.
I agree that the matter is stillsub judice, there are still cases before the courts. We will have to reach agreement with the Irish Haemophiliac Society and whatever agreement is reached will have to be confirmed, as I understand it, by the courts. Last January at my request the representative of the Irish Haemophiliac Society came to see me. I suggested that they make a submission to me as to the needs of those haemophiliacs who suffered from HIV or from AIDS.
There were seven other defendants in the case and it was necessary to consult with those seven defendants. We met the last of the seven defendants—a company from the United States — last Thursday. The Government had made a decision some time ago that we would subscribe to a fund to provide for these people but, because of the decisions which were ongoing, the Government were not in a position to announce that decision until yesterday.
I will be discussing the points raised by Deputy Sherlock. It is my intention that those who suffer from HIV or AIDS as a result of blood products be compensated and that their immediate dependants be compensated. This matter will be discussed with the haemophiliac trust, which I hope will be responsible for the administration of this fund. I have arranged to meet representatives of the Irish Haemophiliac Society on Friday to discuss the matter further with them.
The time is fast running out for priority questions. Let us deal promptly with question No. 5.
