Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 688: To ask the Minister for Health if it his intention to seek the consent of the Department of Finance as laid out in section 9 of the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Act 1997 to introduce a statutory instrument that would extend the class or classes of persons eligible for compensation thereby allowing those women currently testing negative despite their ill health to qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10912/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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A great deal of consideration has been given to the issue of women who received potentially infectious batches of Anti D but who have neither tested positive for Hepatitis C, nor had a positive Tribunal decision in their favour. While a number of these women who have tested negative for Hepatitis C have had, and may continue to have, a variety of symptoms, there is no scientific proof that the symptoms are specific evidence of Hepatitis C infection. Some symptoms of Hepatitis C, such as fatigue, fibromyalgia and depression, are common conditions that occur in the general population. It is estimated that up to 16,000 women were exposed to potentially infectious batches of Anti-D and approximately 1,000 of these women were infected with Hepatitis C.

Having taken account of international practice and the rationale which led to the clarification of the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal eligibility requirements in 2006, I do not intend introducing a Statutory Instrument to extend the class or classes of persons eligible for compensation under the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal Act, 1997. While I am sympathetic to the women in question, I am satisfied that the present arrangements are fair and reasonable.