Government help to those with infected blood

THE Government is providing €90 million to help about 1,700 victims of the blood contamination scandal.

Under the new subsidy scheme, sufferers will be able to pay for life and travel insurance as well as mortgage protection cover.

Previously, people who contracted HIV and Hepatitis C from contaminated blood products had difficulty getting insurance cover or found it impossible to pay the premiums demanded.

Support groups for victims welcomed the ‘very belated move,’ which they said would enable the sufferers to move on with aspects of their lives.

Under the scheme, the Health Service Executive (HSE) will pick up any excess loading tab, with the individuals paying the standard premium for insurance cover.

The HSE advertised for tenders this week from insurance companies that wish to provide cover.

Eleanor O’Mahony, chairwoman of Positive Action, said the scheme had been sought for nine years. Her organisation was set up to represent women who contracted Hepatitis C from infected Anti-D blood products.

“The insurance issue can make it impossible to get a mortgage. Many people have been in a limbo for years over this,” she said.

Health Minister Mary Harney said it had not been easy to find a solution to the insurance issue as there was no precedent for it in the world.

The scheme will be available to people with Hepatitis C or HIV from blood products or transfusions, and to their family if they should test positive.