Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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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 (Blue Card). The eligibility requirements for the Card are a positive diagnosis for Hepatitis C based on a positive Hepatitis C test result, that is a positive ELISA, RIBA, or PCR test result at any time since the administration of the blood or blood product, or if the person displayed symptoms of acute infection by reference to the presence of jaundice or raised alamine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, not later than 16 weeks after the person was administered Anti-D.

In addition, persons who receive an award in accordance with the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Acts 1997 to 2006 are entitled to receive a Health Amendment Act Card. The determination of eligibility for a Health Amendment Act Card or a medical card is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to examine the case referred to by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.