Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I understand that the cohort of women described in my question is 15 in number, two of whom are currently seriously ill. I take this opportunity to send my best wishes to them and their families at this very difficult time. The women who make up this tiny minority are very disappointed to have been excluded from the measures provided for the majority who have tested positive, including access to Health (Amendment) Act cards. I strongly urge the Minister to revisit the matter. Section 9 of the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Act 1997 states:

The Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, by regulations extend the class or classes of persons who may make a claim for compensation before the Tribunal.

This provision provides the Minister with the means to address a long-standing injustice. Given the small number of women involved, where there is a will there must be a way.

Second, funding for the organisations representing the women concerned, both those who have tested positive and those experiencing illness but not testing positive, has been reduced. These bodies were the subject of some very unfair media coverage in recent times, even though their expenditure was in all cases prior-approved by the Department. Will the Minister acknowledge that? I understand he has already met with one of the organisations, Transfusion Positive, on this issue. Will he undertake to meet with representatives of Positive Action as well?

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