Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 227: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on issuing a blue card to the thirty women nationwide suffering from Hepatitis C symptoms but testing negative; her further views on whether the number of women nationwide requesting this is manageable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13667/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 267: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a facility to a group of people (details supplied). [13976/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 267 together.

The issue of an extension of the Health (Amendment) Act 1996 to provide free healthcare for the women referred to by the Deputies has been carefully examined and advice taken from relevant experts. While I am sympathetic to the women in question, the current eligibility requirements for a Health Amendment Act Card (Blue Card) are set in primary legislation. It is therefore not possible to extend these requirements. Following communication earlier this year with the Support Group representing the women in question and on recently receiving more details on these women, my officials have informed me that a proportion of the women have initiated cases with the Tribunal prior to 20 June, 2006 and any of these who receive an award through the Tribunal/courts process will be entitled to receive a Health Amendment Act Card.

Men, women and children who contracted Hepatitis C through the administration within the State of blood or blood products are entitled to a Health (Amendment) Act Card. Cardholders are entitled to avail of a broad range of healthcare services, without charge. The requirements for eligibility for the Card are set out in the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Act 2006, which defines a positive diagnosis for Hepatitis C based on a positive Hepatitis C test result, or if the person displayed symptoms of acute infection by reference to the presence of jaundice or raised alamine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, not later that 16 weeks after the person was administered anti-D. The person needs to show evidence of a positive ELISA, RIBA, or PCR test result at any time since the administration of the blood or blood product.

The Bill for the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Amendment Act was published on 20 June, 2006. The eligibility criteria set out in the 2006 Act do not apply in relation to claims for compensation made to the Tribunal before 20 June. All applicants who receive an award in accordance with the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Acts 1997 and 1992 Acts, and the 2006 amended Act are entitled to receive a Health Amendment Act Card.