Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 91: 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, that is, desperately ill 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 reconsider her stance on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11485/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The possibility 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 has been 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 it in February 2005. Following further analysis of the matter, I confirmed my decision to the support group last September.