Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 198: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will reconsider her stance on providing free health care for the estimated 100 women who are severely affected with hepatitis C but have not tested positive but have every other manifestation of the illness; and if, in view of the small number involved and the effects of hepatitis C on their bodies, she will further reconsider her stance on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8960/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The issue of an extension of the Health (Amendment) Act 1996 to provide free health care for the patients referred to by the Deputy, has been carefully examined and advice taken from a number of relevant experts.

While I am sympathetic to the women in question, I cannot support an extension to the current eligibility requirements. This position was signalled to the support group representing the women at a meeting that I had with them in February 2005. Following further analysis of the matter, I confirmed my decision to the support group in September last.