Government to fund insurance scheme for Hep C and HIV victims

The Government has published a bill to deal with insurance difficulties arising out of the Hepatitis C and HIV controversy of the 1990s.

The legislation aims to set up a scheme to provide insurance to people who were infected with the illnesses via contaminated blood products provided by the Blood Transfusion Board.

Many of these people have experienced difficulties securing life assurance or mortgage protection policies as a result of their conditions.

The Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney said the bill published today would see the State subsidising their insurance policies.

The scheme will only be available those under the age of 75 and will be managed by the Health Service Executive.

It is expected to cost up to €200m over the next 30 years.