Vol. 511 No. 6
288 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received an interim report of the review being carried out on the hepatitis C services being provided by designated area units to victims of the anti-D infection; and when he will receive the final report. [25275/99]
In January 1998, I asked the consultative council on hepatitis C to direct, co-ordinate and oversee a review of the health services for persons who contracted hepatitis C within the State through the administration of blood and blood products. The council subsequently contracted the health services research centre at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland to carry out the review on its behalf.
The scope of the review is extensive and includes, inter alia, the availability and delivery of appropriate services relating to health care and support for persons with hepatitis C. The review will also examine the development of those services over the next five years, to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of persons with hepatitis C.
I have been given to understand that the council has received a draft report which is being examined by a sub-committee of the council. Following further discussions with the health services research centre, the council expects to receive a final report in January 2000.
