Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley. From reading the contributions on Second Stage in the Lower House, I feel the Bill is responsible legislation. It is only the least that could be expected from the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children and the Government that took their duties seriously. It is a follow-on from the 1997 Act which caused so much tension, dissent and disquiet at the time. In view of submissions made, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children included the RIBA and PCR tests along with the ELISA test. That has greatly strengthened the Bill. The inclusion of the loss of consortium in a relationship is a welcome provision as it can lead to disadvantages to any partnership. The Bill is not paternalistic — or materialistic for that matter — in its approach but is the proper way to treat people infected by the State.

We blithely take for granted the right to travel insurance, life assurance and mortgage protection. It is not so for those infected by the State. Throughout their lives they will live in the shadow of something that has left them disabled in every aspect.

I have met people who were so infected. They cope with what they have now but live in dread of what may come and how their infection may affect them. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children did well in introducing this Bill to the Oireachtas. I will not use the term "in the dying days" because it is proper legislation. The Bill was considered during its passage in the Dáil, as shown by the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children taking on board amendments which would be of great help to those affected. I welcome the Bill and I look forward to Committee Stage and what comes forward by way of amendment.