Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 May 1995

Vol. 452 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hepatitis C Virus.

Liam Lawlor

Ceist:

44 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of his programme of action to assist those individuals who were infected with the hepatitis C virus as a consequence of the transfusion of contaminated blood as distinct from Anti D; if he will confirm that compensation will be provided for victims; the steps, if any, he will take to facilitate improvements in the counselling service by the Blood Transfusion Service Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8243/95]

Tom Kitt

Ceist:

45 Mr. T. Kitt asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the Blood Transfusion Service Board makes every effort to trace the source of contamination in the cases of those people who contracted hepatitis C through infected blood transfusions. [8294/95]

Tom Kitt

Ceist:

46 Mr. T. Kitt asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a comprehensive and effective counselling service will be provided by the Blood Transfusion Service Board for those people who contracted hepatitis C through infected blood transfusions. [8295/95]

Minister for Health, (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 to 46, inclusive, together.

Treatment for hepatitis C positive persons is being provided at the following six designated hospitals:— Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Mater Hospital, Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Cork University Hospital, University College Hospital, Galway.

The treatment, including prescribed medication, is being provided by the public hospital service free of charge.

The counselling service arranged by the Blood Transfusion Service Board is currently being reviewed to ensure that the service is responsive to the great variety of needs of those diagnosed positive for hepatitis C.

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 reassessed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the necessary support services are provided to meet their needs.

The Blood Transfusion Service Board is currently implementing a targeted look back programme. This programme has two phases, the first phase will identify donors who have tested positive for hepatitis C, the blood product — whole blood, red blood cells, platelets and plasma, the hospital to which the blood product was issued and the recipient. The second phase will trace the recipient to invite him or her for testing and counselling. Phase one of the programme is well advanced.

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 exgratia 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.

A number of other groups which have members who are positive for hepatitis C are also seeking compensation. There is ongoing consideration of the position in relation to these people in my Department and discussions with these groups will take place in the coming weeks.