Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

If one looks back over major political miscalculations in the past 12 years, the hepatitis C issue stands out. It happened because the only people considered to be experts were those with professional credentials. The other experts in this case are those living with the infection. They cannot be dismissed.

I recall in the mid-1990s making arrangements for members of Positive Action to meet politicians. At the time, the debate was stuck on issues concerning legal and medical opinion. I get the sense we are at the same point now. It feels like groundhog day. If the legislation delivered on the expectations of Positive Action and the other groups concerning the one outstanding issue of the insurance scheme, there would be no protest outside the gates of Leinster House now. What should have been a positive legislative development is instead a negative one. On Second Stage I referred to the comments made in 1997 on the original legislation by Deputy O'Donnell, party colleague of the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children. She spoke of people having a live illness but who were not proving positive in the tests. Even then it was admitted there was a flaw that could not be ignored.

During this debate, I have been struck by the calmness and reason behind the arguments made. I am surprised the power of the arguments has not hit home. I appeal to the Tánaiste to accept these reasonable amendments. Closure on this matter will not be achieved until these amendments are accepted.

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