Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Does Senator Ryan suggest that such a person would not have presented with jaundice within 16 weeks of receiving the product? The court made the award in the KL case on the basis that the anti-D was probably given, although this could not be proved, and the person was suffering from, among other symptoms, fatigue. If we accept this basis, potentially everybody who received the product could receive compensation, with no scientific test or clinical evidence after the administration of the product. The Oireachtas, the public and the four groups we have sought to support through this legislation would not wish to see that. This is why we are introducing the requirement for scientific tests.

Of course it is a medical issue. We can never make up to the affected group for the damage done through compensation, health support, insurance or any other recompense. We are trying to do our best. We are trying to put in a level of support that any decent, civilised society should give to a vulnerable group of its citizens, approximately 1,700, who were infected with hepatitis C as a result of maladministration. In that context we are entitled to accept the scientific knowledge available. I am no scientist or medic. I do not know if that is a good or bad situation. When I became Minister for Health and Children somebody wrote to me and said she was delighted that at last a doctor had taken over at the Department. I realised she was confusing me with Senator Henry because she went on to say I treated her veins a number of years ago. I told Senator Henry about this and I understand she occasionally receives irate calls on her home telephone looking for me.